Terry Sellers (Full Name: Terry Lee Sellers) Died In Tucson Bicycle Accident With Ambulance Near The Intersection of North Craycroft Road and East Towner Street
TUCSON, ARIZONA (December 23, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as Terry Sellers was killed in a Tucson ambulance accident by North Craycroft Road and East Towner Street.
Pima County officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:45 a.m. on Wednesday. Terry Sellers was riding a bicycle through the parking lot of a medical center.
After he entered a roadway, he was struck by an ambulance headed southbound. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, Terry Sellers died as a result of his injuries. Authorities determined that the driver of the ambulance was not responding to an emergency at the time of the crash.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Tucson Ambulance Accidents
Ambulances are an essential for responding quickly and efficiently to serious medical emergencies. But they pose a number of unique hazards to pedestrians and bicyclists. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2020, 180 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles. The majority of these deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles (56%). Deaths among pedestrians accounted for another 25% [of the fatalities.].” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a fatal ambulance accident.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
Ambulance drivers and their employers are typically given a great deal of immunity for collisions when they are responding to actual emergencies. However, the ambulance driver must have used their lights and sirens to alert others of their presence. If an ambulance driver fails to turn on their lights and sirens during an emergency trip, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
When an ambulance driver is not responding to an emergency, they must obey all traffic regulations like any other driver. Pursuant to Arizona Vehicle Code 28-701, no person shall operate their vehicle at a speed greater than would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a bicyclist, they could be held at fault for the resulting collision. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any accident involving an emergency vehicle.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any fatal collision. But it is important for accident victims to know that they do have rights. The family of any bicyclist that is killed in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Sadly, though, it is common for ambulance drivers to fight hard to deny liability for any accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Tucson Ambulance Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Terry Sellers. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Tucson ambulance accident? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we can help. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
