As McKayla Spencer was seated in the back seat of her mother's car, an ambulance (operated by Gilberto Ward) ran a red light and hit the vehicle. Since the ambulance was leased by Lifeline Ambulance Services, Inc., Spencer later sued the company and the driver.
After the Bronx County Supreme Court denied the defendants' request to have the case thrown out, they appealed.
Because the evidence showed that the siren and emergency lights were activated prior to the accident, and that Ward had slowed down before entering the intersection, the Appellate Division, First Department, thought a "qualified privilege" applied and that no liability could attach, absent "reckless disregard" for the safety of others.
Was that ambulance chasing?
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Spencer v. Astralease Associated, Inc.