Holding Negligent Emergency Vehicle Operators Accountable

Every day, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics race through Kentucky streets to protect lives and property. They may be responding to a vehicle accident. Sometimes, the first responders act negligently and cause the accidents. What happens if you or a loved one is seriously or fatally injured because of how an emergency vehicle was operated?

If a first responder has injured you or a loved one, a Kentucky car accident attorney at Satterley & Kelley can help you pursue compensation. Call our Louisville office at (855) 385-9532 to learn more about your rights.

How Often Does This Happen?

Data from the National Safety Council shows the following,

• 225 were killed in crashes involving emergency vehicles in 2024 across the US
• More than half (56%) were in non-emergency vehicles
• Crashes involving police vehicles caused the most deaths at 150, followed by ambulances with 47 and fire trucks with 28
• Most of the deaths (70%) happened in multi-vehicle accidents

There have been more than 1,000 reported crashes involving emergency vehicles in Kentucky from 2022 to 2025, reports the state’s Transportation Cabinet. Those accidents resulted in six deaths and more than 360 injuries.

How Might a First Responder’s Negligence Cause a Collision?

Nearly all personal injury claims are based on the legal theory of negligence. The plaintiff (the one filing the lawsuit) has the burden of proving that the defendant (or defendants, those being sued) was negligent and that this negligence caused the accident and your injuries. The elements of negligence are the following:

• Due to the relationship between you and the defendant (you shared a public road), they owed you a legal obligation or duty to do or not do something, given the situation
• The defendant breached that duty or failed that obligation
• That breach or failure is the legal (or proximate) and factual cause of the accident
• The accident caused you harm
• Under state law, the defendant must pay you damages (a measurement of your injury in dollars)

Under Kentucky law, drivers of emergency vehicles are granted some legal leeway and are exempt from certain traffic regulations when responding to a call, but there are limits. State statute says the following:

“No portion of this subsection shall be construed to relieve the driver of the duty to operate the vehicle with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street or highway.”

A first responder may act negligently in many ways:

• Even with lights and sirens, there is a point at which speed becomes unreasonable for road conditions, traffic density, weather, or visibility
• Emergency vehicle operators should slow down and verify that cross-traffic has yielded before entering an intersection against a light. Going through a red light at full speed would be a form of negligence
• Driving at high speed without activating emergency lights and a siren removes the warning to other drivers to yield, creating hidden danger
• First responders can be distracted by operating a radio, laptop, or phone while driving at high speed would be negligent because the driver isn’t focused on driving. This is especially dangerous if the vehicle is traveling at high speed
• Long shifts and demanding schedules can result in first responders driving while fatigued, which can impair reaction time and decision-making
• State law allows some privileges during genuine emergency responses. If a first responder is driving at high speed but not in response to an emergency, they’re just as negligent as anyone else
• Public safety agencies must keep their vehicles in safe operating condition. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or equipment malfunctions that result from inadequate maintenance or repairs could be actionable negligence

What the first responder did or failed to do, and why, are critical issues in these cases. We will thoroughly investigate what caused your accident and use this evidence to build your case.

How Can a Family Obtain Compensation After a Loved One is Killed in an Accident With a Police Officer?

A recent lawsuit filed in California illustrates the consequences and a legal path forward after a first responder is involved in an accident.

In September of last year, 21-year-old Gavin Hinkley and his 20-year-old fiancée, Madeline Fox, were running errands before their expected wedding when a Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy’s patrol vehicle struck their Tesla at an intersection in Calimesa. The deputy reportedly ran a red light and was traveling at nearly 100 miles per hour before doing so, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Hinkley was killed in the crash. Fox survived the crash but suffered catastrophic injuries, including brain damage. Plaintiffs’ attorney states that, as a result of Fox’ injuries, she must re-learn to swallow, eat on her own, stand up, walk, and talk.

A California Highway Patrol investigation found that Deputy Glynn Wilburn was traveling about 100 miles per hour five seconds before the impact. He likely realized the Tesla was a hazard roughly about a second before the collision. Wilburn is believed to have hit the brakes, slowing his vehicle to about 72 miles per hour when the two cars collided.

A lawsuit filed in May 2026 on behalf of Fox’ and Hinkley’s families also claims that paramedics responding to the scene treated Wilburn first, and transported him from the scene before attending to Hinkley and Fox, who were much more seriously injured. Plaintiffs claim this delay cost Hinkley his life and worsened Fox’ injuries.

A Times analysis published in October estimates that the city of Los Angeles has paid at least $90 million in negotiated settlements and jury verdicts in more than 1,200 cases involving alleged police-caused vehicle accidents over the prior 10 years.

Speak To a Satterley & Kelley, PLLC Car Accident Lawyer Today

If a first responder’s negligent actions or failures to act cause injuries to you or a loved one in a vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffer. Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyers will protect your legal rights and interests when pursuing an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your accident by calling our Louisville office at 502-589-5600 (toll-free at 855-385-9532). If it’s more convenient, you may complete our contact form.