San Jose, CA asked in Car Accidents for California

Q: I ran a red light because a fire truck honked at me to move and another car hit me. Who is at fault?

I ran red light cautiously, all other cars were stopped at intersection except one car who didn’t notice the sirens and kept driving. Fire truck kept honking until I moved so I felt forced.

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2 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If you were hit by another car, you didn't run the light that "cautiously."

However, cross traffic has a duty to yield if an emergency vehicle has at least one red lamp lit, and the siren is sounding. Vehicle Code section 21806. It sounds like the other driver violated that statute.

That doesn't make the other driver 100% at fault. Each party will be assigned a percentage as determined by a jury, or through negotiated settlement.

If you are hurt, see a doctor, then contact a PI attorney. If this is about property damage, notify your insurance company and let it deal with the other drivers insurance.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Wyomissing, PA

A: First, if it just happened you want to get any camera image if there was a camera at the intersection, or on the dash of the fire truck.

Second, you would have a defense of sudden emergency. Do not give any statment to the other insurance company.

If you were injured, contact a member of CAOC in the county where it happened. They give free consults.

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