You are waiting at a red light on Memorial Drive when you hear the siren before you see the lights. Traffic tightens. A few drivers edge forward, others freeze. The ambulance threads the gap—and in the confusion, an SUV lurches, the ambulance brakes hard, and metal meets metal. In a second, a routine errand turns into injuries, insurance calls, and questions about who is responsible.
How These Crashes Happen
Emergency vehicles are allowed to do things the rest of us cannot, when they are responding to a call—they may proceed through red lights, exceed the posted speed, and weave through traffic. Those privileges exist to save lives, not to create chaos, which is why every driver has a legal duty to yield, when an ambulance approaches with lights and sirens on.
You must ensure you pull to the nearest curb or edge and stop until it passes. Failing to yield, brings real penalties and, worse, prevents paramedics from reaching someone who needs them. (Alberta.ca, https://www.calgary.ca)
Intersections are where judgement may slip. If you are stopped at a red light and hear the siren behind you, the right move is to carefully enter the intersection—only as far as needed—to open a path, then stop and wait. Do not block or “race” the ambulance to get through the light, and don’t try to tuck in behind to beat traffic; that creates a fresh hazard.
Alberta’s guidance is simple: leave the largest possible corridor and stay put until the scene clears. (Alberta.ca, https://www.calgary.ca)
A different risk arises when ambulances are stopped at a scene. Alberta’s strengthened “slow down, move over,” rules require you to drop to 60 km/h or less (or the lower posted speed), when passing vehicles with flashing lights—and to give a full lane of space when safe. That applies to EMS, fire, police, tow trucks, and other roadside workers. (Alberta.ca, RCMP, Alberta Motor Association)
The Human Cost After Impact
Ambulance-involved collisions are rarely minor. The force and geometry—side impacts in intersections, front-end hits during sudden stops—produce concussions, cervical strains, shoulder tears, fractures, and, in serious cases, brain or spinal trauma. The fallout is bigger than bruises: time off work, a vehicle you cannot drive, childcare you had not planned to replace, and nights of poor sleep from pain and worry.
If you are keeping a household afloat, while attending physio and imaging appointments, that pressure is real and it adds up.
Preventing Collisions Around Emergency Vehicles
A few habits, reduce risk when seconds count:
- Scan and Kill cabin noise at intersections. Sirens are often your first cue.
- Plan your Know where you will pull over—nearest curb or shoulder—before the ambulance is at your bumper. Then stop and wait. (Alberta.ca)
- Clear the At a red light, creep forward only enough to open a lane, then stop. Avoid rolling into cross-traffic you cannot see. (https://www.calgary.ca)
- Do not tailgate the Never “draft” behind an ambulance, or try to pass it, while lights and siren are active.
- Respect the When an ambulance is stopped with lights flashing, slow to 60 km/h (or less), and move over a lane, if safe. Expect people on foot carrying gear. (Alberta.ca, RCMP)
What to Do Right After a Crash with an Ambulance
- Safety and medical care come first. Check yourself and your Call 911, if it is not already on scene. Even if you feel “okay,” it is imperative to get medically assessed—head and neck injuries can present hours later.
- Call police and preserve Alberta requires police reporting when anyone is injured, or when total property damage appears to exceed $5,000. Photos of vehicular positions, signals, debris, and skid marks; may help clarify what actually happened. Get names and numbers of witnesses. (Alberta.ca)
- Know there will be official reporting on the EMS side. Separate from your duties, ambulance operators must report collisions to the provincial Registrar when any of the following applies if: (a) someone is injured or killed, (b) the ambulance’s lights or siren were on, or (c) property damage is over $5,000. That policy means records often exist beyond the police file—useful for proving what conditions existed. (Alberta.ca, Open Alberta)
- Notify your insurer—carefully. Give facts, not opinions. Do not guess at speed, distance, or fault. If you are feeling sore or develop any injuries, say so and maintain a symptom diary.
- Do not talk yourself out of care. If you have new headaches, neck pain, dizziness, numbness, or shoulder weakness in the days after a car crash, return to your doctor immediately. Early imaging and rehab can prevent lingering
Legal Insight: Fault, Government Vehicles, and Compensation
Ambulances have special traffic privileges, but those privileges do not erase the duty to drive with due care. When a crash occurs, liability turns on specific facts: Were lights and sirens active? Did surrounding drivers yield properly? Did the ambulance driver confirm the intersection was safe before proceeding? You may be contributorily negligent — fault may be shared, and each party’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
Because many ambulances are operated by public entities, claims may involve extra steps and tighter timelines. Collecting evidence early (CCTV from nearby businesses, dashcam video, EMS dispatch logs, data from the ambulance), is critical. A knowledgeable injury lawyer may further check for applicable notice requirements and ensure your lawsuit includes all proper defendants and damages—from wage loss to future care and rehab technology.
If this is where you are today—injured, confused, and staring down forms—retain Legal Counsel before you sign anything. With over 60 years of experience, Pipella Law represents crash victims on a contingency basis—no fees until you win—and can step in to protect the record while you focus on healing.
Quick Reference: Alberta Rules That Matter Here
- Yield to ambulances with lights/siren by pulling to the nearest curb or edge and stopping until they pass. At reds, carefully enter the intersection as needed to create space, then stop. (Alberta.ca, https://www.calgary.ca)
- Slow down/move over to 60 km/h or less (or the posted limit if lower), when passing stopped emergency or roadside vehicles with flashing lights; give a lane of space where safe. (Alberta.ca, RCMP)
- Police reporting threshold: Property damage of $5,000+ triggers mandatory reporting. (Alberta.ca)
- Ambulance collision reporting: EMS operators must rep ort if there’s injury/death, lights/siren were on, or damage >$5,000. (Alberta.ca)
Contact Us for a Free Consultation Today
No Legal Fees Unless You Are Compensated.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you know how devastating the consequences can be. That's why having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is crucial to help you navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care in Alberta.
At Pipella Law, we understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to help. Our team of dedicated car accident lawyers in Calgary will conduct a complete investigation of your case and work with leading consultants to build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.