My Loved One Died After a Crash Involving a Medical Emergency: What Can I Do?

Seniors are more likely to suffer medical emergencies behind the wheel, but this issue can affect virtually anyone. If your loved one has lost their life in a crash involving a medical emergency, you might be unsure of how to proceed. Compared to an average crash, this situation can be quite complex. That being said, an experienced car accident lawyer in Charleston can guide you toward justice and compensation with confidence.

Senior Dies After Medical Emergency During South Carolina Crash 

In November of 2024, The State reported that a 71-year-old had died in a crash involving a medical emergency. However, the medical emergency happened after the crash – and the collision was not the senior’s fault. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that the senior was driving at about 7:30 AM when he was struck by a Jaguar running through a stop sign.

The collision caused the senior to go into cardiac arrest. Although he was eventually transported to a nearby hospital by first responders, he died about five hours after the crash. The driver of the Jaguar was not hurt, and there was no word on whether he faced criminal charges.

In a situation like this, the senior’s family could argue that the crash caused the cardiac arrest. Even though the fatality occurred after the collision, an experienced auto accident attorney could argue that there was sufficient “causation.” In other words, the crash directly led to the heart attack – and the man would not have died if the Jaguar had not sped through the stop sign.

Suing for Crashes Caused by Medical Emergencies

 Alternatively, it may be possible to sue for crashes caused by medical emergencies. For example, a trucker may suffer a seizure before veering off the road and striking another vehicle.

First, it is important to understand that a medical emergency represents a common defense strategy for those accused of causing accidents. Many people claim that they suffered medical emergencies before losing control. Some of these individuals are telling the truth, while others are not.

An experienced auto accident lawyer can determine whether the crash was truly caused by a medical emergency. For example, driver-facing cameras on a semi-truck may show the trucker dozing off behind the wheel. Falling asleep is not a “medical emergency” in the same way as a seizure, stroke, or heart attack.

Can a South Carolina Auto Accident Lawyer Help? 

A South Carolina auto accident lawyer may be able to help if you have lost a loved one to a crash involving a medical emergency. These situations can unfold in various ways, and an online article can only provide broad guidance. In contrast, a lawyer can offer more targeted advice during a consultation. Schedule a consultation with Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today to discuss your legal options in more detail.

Sources:

thestate.com/news/traffic/article295423254.html

wxii12.com/article/5-juveniles-stolen-vehicle-pursued-inside-cary-grocery-store-1-has-medical-emergency-police/61120223