Getting into a collision is always stressful, but it becomes even more complicated when the other vehicle is an emergency responder. If you’ve been wondering what happens if an ambulance hits your car, you’re not alone. In Texas, the law takes into account the unique role emergency vehicles play. Still, that doesn’t mean you’re automatically at fault or left without options. At Monsour Law Firm, we help Texans understand their rights and pursue compensation when emergency responders are involved. If you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, or confusion after the incident, it’s important to know that legal remedies are available. You deserve clarity—and the right legal team can help you cut through the confusion and take control.
Who is at fault when an ambulance hits your car in Texas depends on the crash details. Emergency vehicles may break traffic laws—like running red lights or speeding—during emergencies, but that doesn’t excuse reckless driving. Under Texas law, ambulance drivers must still operate safely and follow emergency protocols. If they don’t, they—or their agency—can be held legally responsible.
According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Sec. 101.021, a governmental unit can be held liable for property damage, personal injury, and death proximately caused by the wrongful act, omission, or negligence of an employee acting within the scope of employment.
So, if the ambulance driver was careless, distracted, or didn’t follow proper emergency protocols—like using lights and sirens—the agency they work for could be on the hook.
Then again, fault isn’t always black and white. Maybe the other driver didn’t yield or panicked at the sound of the sirens. In cases like these, both parties could share responsibility. Texas uses a modified comparative fault system, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re partially at fault—but only if it’s under 51%.
Yes, and who you file against depends on who runs the ambulance. If it’s operated by a private company, you can go the typical route—file a claim with their insurer or take them to court if necessary.
When an ambulance is operated by a public entity—like a city EMS department—the legal process becomes more complex. In these cases, your claim falls under the Texas Tort Claims Act, which includes specific rules and strict deadlines. One key requirement is submitting a formal notice of your claim, sometimes within just six months. Missing this deadline can jeopardize your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim and your future.
You could be entitled to damages for:
But here’s something that trips people up: sovereign immunity. It’s a legal barrier that sometimes shields public agencies from lawsuits. That’s why figuring out what happened in those critical seconds before the crash matters so much.
Safety and quick thinking go a long way. The shock after a crash with an ambulance can make everything feel like a blur—but certain steps right after the accident can make a huge difference.
The Texas Department of Insurance recommends the following:
And one more thing—don’t assume you’re powerless just because the vehicle had flashing lights and a siren. Emergency responders still have to follow the rules. When those rules are broken, accountability matters.
Accidents involving emergency vehicles come with unique legal challenges—but you don’t have to face them alone. At Monsour Law Firm, we’ve successfully represented clients injured in these complex situations, and we’re here to help you navigate every step with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Call us today at (903) 999-9999 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Longview, Tyler, and communities across East Texas, and we’re here to help you get the answers you deserve.
Douglas C. Monsour, or Doug Monsour, is a trial lawyer who handles important and significant injury cases in Texas and across the nation. He is one of a handful of trial lawyers who have successfully tried multiple pharmaceutical, medical device, and mass tort product liability cases as the lead lawyer. He also vigorously represents injured oil field workers, victims of 18-wheeler wrecks, industrial accident victims, and those that have been severely burned.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Monsour who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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