What to Know About Crashes Involving Emergency Vehicles in Michigan

Crashes involving police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency responders can raise different legal questions than ordinary collisions. Michigan law establishes duties for drivers approaching emergency vehicles and also provides certain exceptions for emergency vehicles responding to urgent situations.

What Michigan Requires of Drivers Near Emergency Vehicles

Michigan’s Move Over Law is codified at MCL 257.653a. Under that statute, when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle displaying flashing, rotating, or oscillating red, blue, white, or amber lights, drivers must reduce speed by at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and move into a lane at least one moving lane or two vehicle widths away from the stopped vehicle, when it is safe to do so.

If a lane change is not possible due to weather, road conditions, or traffic, the driver must instead reduce speed by at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and proceed with due care and caution.

Under MCL 257.653a, a standard violation involving an authorized emergency vehicle is a civil infraction carrying a $400 fine and two points on the driver’s record. A violation that causes injury to emergency response personnel in the immediate area of the stopped vehicle is a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. A violation causing death carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $7,500.

Separately, under MCL 257.653, drivers approaching an authorized emergency vehicle giving an audible or visual signal must yield the right of way and follow the statute’s requirements for pulling to the side of the roadway and stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Speed Limit Exceptions for Emergency Vehicles

Under MCL 257.632, certain emergency vehicles may be exempt from ordinary speed limitations while responding to emergencies or, in some cases, pursuing suspected law violators. The exemption applies only under the conditions specified by the statute, including requirements involving audible signals or emergency lights, subject to limited exceptions for law enforcement.

The statute does not relieve an emergency vehicle driver of the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of others and does not protect the driver from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others.

What This Means After a Crash Involving an Emergency Vehicle

When a driver fails to comply with Michigan’s Move Over Law and a crash results, that violation may be relevant when evaluating the circumstances of the collision and potential civil liability.

When an emergency vehicle is involved in a collision while responding to an emergency, the legal analysis may involve the conduct of both the emergency vehicle operator and the other drivers involved. Michigan’s governmental immunity laws can add another layer of complexity when a government-owned or operated vehicle is involved.

Michigan’s no-fault system may provide eligible people injured in crashes involving emergency vehicles with PIP benefits, depending on the applicable insurance coverage and circumstances. An attorney can evaluate the available evidence and help identify what legal options may exist.

If you were injured in a crash involving an emergency vehicle in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland County, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Sources:

• MCL 257.653a
• MCL 257.653
• MCL 257.632