Who is Responsible For an Auto Accident in a Medical Emergency?

Who is Responsible for an Auto Accident in a Medical Emergency? Auto accidents are typically caused by driver negligence such as speeding or breaking other traffic laws, but sometimes, auto accidents can be the result of a medical emergency. With thousands of drivers on Chicago roadways every day, there are bound to be situations where a driver suffers a heart attack, stroke or other unforeseen medical issue. Who is responsible for a crash caused by one of these situations can be difficult to determine.

When a medical emergency is involved, an auto accident claim becomes challenging because insurance providers may try to avoid paying any reparations. If you’ve been in an auto accident that involved a medical emergency, it’s vital to contact one of our accident attorneys as soon as possible to discuss your options for compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage.

Some situations where a medical emergency defense could be applied include:

  • Heart failure
  • Fainting
  • Seizures
  • Sudden blood pressure drop
  • Stroke
  • Adverse reaction to a medication

While the conditions listed above may be considered in an auto accident claim, they will not apply if the driver who suffered the emergency had prior knowledge of his or her condition and knew the risk he or she was taking by driving. For example:

  • The driver had a history of blackouts or heart failure and was instructed by a physician not to drive.
  • The driver had not eaten that day which led to a severe drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
  • The driver was prescribed a medication that specifically warned him or her not to drive while taking it.
  • The driver had diabetes and failed to eat that day, which caused low blood sugar and loss of consciousness.

Auto accidents caused by stroke, heart attack, blackouts and other medical emergencies make your claim all the more complicated.

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a medical emergency, please contact our lawyers in Chicago at (800) LAW-0300 for a free consultation. The Sklare Law Group serves clients in Chicago and throughout Northern Illinois.

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