Ambulance Wreck Leaves One Man Dead

     Not far from our office in Clarksburg, a terrible tragedy occurred.  William Wiseman, 53, lost his life on October 2, 2011, on Route 50 East near the I-79 southbound exit ramp.  Mr. Wiseman was a passenger in a Doddridge County ambulance at the time of his death.  According to reports, the ambulance ran through the intersection's red lights, with its lights and sirens on, when it was struck by a white truck attempting to turn left from Route 50 West to head South on I-79.  The collision left the ambulance on its side.  Additional emergency crews had to be dispatched and when emergency crews arrived Mr. Wiseman was still inside the ambulance.

     While fault for the collision is still under investigation, this tragic event reminds us of the critically important safety concerns that apply to the operation of emergency vehicles.  West Virginia law permits emergency vehicles, when using lights and sirens, to proceed through stop signals or signs, "but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation."  West Virginia law also permits emergency vehicles, when using lights and sirens, to exceed posted speed limits, but only "so long as [it] does not endanger life or property."  In other words, our emergency vehicles are privileged to do certain things that would otherwise be illegal, but they still must exercise reasonable care.

     In an effort to raise awareness of accidents in West Virginia, our firm routinely publishes news items about traffic crashes in our region.  If you have any questions regarding accident cases, contact our office to discuss your situation.
 

     If you or a family member has been named in this blog and you would like the information removed, please contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.