While most car accidents are caused by driver negligence—such as distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving—some are the result of sudden, unforeseen medical emergencies. These can lead a driver to lose consciousness or control of the vehicle, often with devastating consequences. Unlike other car crashes, liability in these situations may not be straightforward.
If you were involved in a crash caused by a sudden medical event, or if you’re facing a claim after experiencing one yourself, the Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Anchor Legal® can help protect your legal rights and explore whether the sudden medical emergency defense applies to your case.
What Is Considered a Sudden Medical Emergency?
A sudden medical emergency is a medical condition that arises without warning, causing a driver to lose the ability to safely operate a vehicle. These conditions must be unpredictable and incapacitating. Examples include:
- Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest: Sudden chest pain, arrhythmia, or loss of consciousness can instantly disable a driver.
- Stroke: May cause confusion, vision changes, weakness on one side, or sudden unconsciousness.
- Seizure (Epilepsy): Seizures often result in a complete loss of control and awareness while driving.
- Diabetic Emergency: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause confusion, blurred vision, or fainting.
- Syncope (Fainting): Triggered by dehydration, medications, or heart issues, fainting while driving can cause catastrophic crashes.
- Mental Health Crises: Severe panic attacks or psychotic episodes may interfere with safe driving.
These conditions can all result in serious or fatal accidents, particularly if they occur on highways or in congested traffic.
The Sudden Medical Emergency Defense: How It Works in Virginia
Virginia law recognizes the sudden medical emergency defense, which may shield a driver from liability in an accident—but only under very specific conditions.
To successfully use this defense, the driver must prove:
- The medical emergency was sudden and unforeseeable.
- The driver lost consciousness or control of the vehicle.
- The loss of control directly caused the accident.
- There was no prior history, warning signs, or failure to manage a known condition.
Example Scenario:
A man suffers a first-time heart attack while driving to the airport and crashes into another vehicle. If he had no previous cardiac symptoms or diagnosis, the emergency was likely unforeseeable, making the sudden medical emergency defense potentially valid.
By contrast, if the same man had skipped prescribed medication or had chest pain earlier that day, the condition would be considered foreseeable, and the defense may not apply.
How Can You Prevent a Crash Caused by a Medical Condition?
While not all medical emergencies are preventable, responsible self-monitoring and lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of experiencing one while driving. Here’s how:
- Attend Regular Medical Checkups: Catch undiagnosed heart issues, diabetes, or neurological conditions before they become dangerous.
- Understand Your Medications: Be aware of side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reaction time.
- Comply With Reporting Laws: In Virginia, certain medical conditions—like epilepsy—may need to be disclosed to the DMV.
- Avoid Driving When Ill: If you feel unwell, overly fatigued, or dizzy, err on the side of caution and delay driving.
- Manage Chronic Conditions: Follow treatment plans, monitor blood sugar, and stay up to date with medications and specialist visits.
If you’ve been told by a doctor not to drive or you’re under observation for a serious condition, you may be legally responsible for knowingly putting others at risk if you get behind the wheel.
What If You’re Injured in a Crash Caused by Someone Else’s Medical Emergency?
If you were hit by a driver who claims a medical condition caused the crash, they are not automatically absolved of liability. Virginia is an at-fault state, and their insurer may still owe you compensation—unless they can prove the emergency was truly unforeseeable and unpreventable.
This is where having an experienced personal injury lawyer is critical. Your attorney can:
- Investigate the driver’s medical history and prior symptoms.
- Review prescription compliance or DMV records.
- Challenge improper use of the sudden emergency defense.
- Fight for full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal® Will Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one were involved in a crash related to a sudden medical episode—either as the affected driver or the injured party—don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Anchor Legal® will investigate the facts, review medical records, and protect your interests with skill and compassion. Call 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Located in Virginia Beach, we represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.