Driving on the bustling streets and highways of New York requires a constant state of alertness—not just for traffic changes but also for potential collisions. Occasionally, collisions occur because other drivers experience medical emergencies. A medical emergency can strike any time, resulting in a serious accident if the driver loses control of their vehicle.

Knowing how to recognize and respond to a medical emergency can get the driver the help they need and help keep everyone safe on the road.

Common Types of Medical Emergencies While Driving

While on the road, drivers can experience a range of medical emergencies that compromise their ability to control their vehicles and pose risks to traffic safety. Common medical emergencies include:

• Heart attacks. A heart attack happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often by a clot. This can cause chest pain and shortness of breath that suddenly incapacitate a driver, making it difficult to operate a vehicle safely.

• Strokes. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off. This emergency can result in sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or loss of muscle control, leading to an inability to steer the vehicle.

• Diabetic emergencies. These happen when there’s too much or too little sugar in a diabetic person’s bloodstream. Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness, and high blood sugar may result in fatigue or vision problems, impairing driving abilities.

• Seizures. Seizures involve a burst of uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells and can cause convulsions and loss of consciousness. This can be dangerous while driving as it can lead to losing control of the vehicle without warning.

• Sudden loss of consciousness. Fainting can result from various medical conditions, leaving a driver unable to control their vehicle, resulting in an accident if it occurs while driving.

• Impairment from medication. Medications like antihistamines or blood pressure pills can impair cognitive and motor functions. Drivers may experience reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, or drowsiness, increasing the risk of accidents.

Signs of a Medical Emergency

Identifying when an erratic driver is experiencing a medical emergency is critical for ensuring safety on the roads. While these situations can be sudden and alarming, certain signs can alert you to these emergencies.

Here are some indications that a driver may be having a medical crisis:

• Sudden swerving, irregular speed, or abrupt braking
• Veering or drifting from the driver’s lane
• Being non-reactive to traffic signals, other cars honking, or general road etiquette
• Stopping in the middle of traffic, especially without any apparent reason or hazard ahead
• Unexpectedly slowing down or driving significantly under the speed limit
• Showing signs of visible distress, like clutching their chest or head, or displaying signs of confusion or altered consciousness
• Driver is slumped over or unresponsive

What to Do if You Witness Another Driver Having a Medical Emergency

When you encounter a driver during a medical emergency, take swift action. Ensure your safety first, then assist the affected driver by taking the following steps:

• Stay calm and keep a safe distance. Remain composed and maintain enough distance to avoid an accident. This allows you to assess the situation safely and take further action.

• Call 911 with details. Provide the operator with the vehicle’s description and location. Quick reporting can ensure that the driver receives medical help immediately.

• Signal to the driver to stop safely. If you notice the driver is in distress and it’s safe for you to act, use your car’s signals to communicate and guide them to pull over to the side of the road.

• Offer help according to your skills. If you have training in first aid or emergency care, provide the necessary assistance to the driver. If not, your best course of action is to dial 911.

While Good Samaritan laws in New York protect those who offer reasonable aid, medical professionals are best equipped to handle emergencies. It’s better to defer to them, especially when you’re unsure about the nature of the emergency.

• Wait for emergency services. Once medical personnel arrive, give them as much information as possible about the incident and the driver’s condition as you’ve observed it.

• Stay at the scene until you’ve given a statement. Your account may be valuable to medical personnel and police, so remain at the scene until you’ve spoken with authorities and they’ve cleared you to leave.

What Happens if You’re Injured in a Crash Caused by a Driver with a Medical Emergency?

If you’re injured in a crash where the other driver was having a medical emergency, like a seizure, or was impaired by medication, you might have a case for compensation.

Liability depends on the driver’s knowledge of their medical condition. For instance, if the driver knew their medication could cause drowsiness or had a known seizure disorder and still decided to drive, they may be held responsible for the crash.

In New York, drivers with certain medical conditions like epilepsy have restrictions on their driving allowances and must obtain a physician’s statement before receiving a license. If you were injured by a driver having a seizure or other forseeable medical emergency who did not take these steps, a qualified New York car accident law firm can help you hold that driver accountable so you receive compensation for your injuries.

Get Legal Guidance for Your Medical Emergency Accident Case

Crashes resulting from medical emergencies raise complex questions about liability and compensation. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a driver undergoing a medical emergency, speak with our experienced attorneys at Catalano Law.

We can review the circumstances of your case and determine whether the driver failed to take precautions against a foreseeable medical emergency. If so, we can help you file for damages to receive a fair settlement for your injuries.

Contact us for a free case evaluation today.