Crash Involving Ambulance Sends Four to Hospital in Polk County: What Victims Need to Know

A serious crash involving an ambulance and a pickup truck in Winter Haven left four people hospitalized Monday night, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The collision occurred around 8:35 p.m. on U.S. Highway 27 at Lucerne Park Road and involved emergency medical personnel transporting a patient to Winter Haven Hospital.

This incident underscores both the dangers emergency responders face and the significant legal issues that arise when drivers fail to yield to emergency vehicles operating with lights and sirens.

According to officials:

• The ambulance was traveling west on Lucerne Park Road with emergency lights and sirens activated, transporting a patient on a gurney.
• As the ambulance approached a red light, the driver slowed, looked both ways, and began entering the intersection.
• At the same time, a black Ford F450 truck pulling a trailer was heading southbound on U.S. 27 at highway speed.
• The Ford entered the intersection and struck the ambulance on its right front side, pushing it roughly 60 feet before it came to rest on the grassy shoulder.

The violent impact caused the paramedic in the rear to be thrown from his seat, resulting in significant injuries.

Injuries Reported

Four people were transported to local hospitals:

1. Patient in the Ambulance (Critical Condition)

The patient being transported at the time of the crash sustained further injuries and remains in critical condition.

2. Paramedic (Critical Condition)

The attending paramedic suffered severe trauma and is also in critical condition.

3. Ambulance Driver

The driver sustained injuries but is expected to make a full recovery.

4. Pickup Truck Driver

The Ford F450 driver was transported for medical evaluation. The severity of his injuries has not been fully disclosed.

The crash shut down U.S. 27 for approximately five hours while investigators processed the scene.

Legal Responsibilities: Who Must Yield to Whom?

Florida law is clear: Drivers are required to yield to emergency vehicles operating with lights and sirens, per Florida Statute §316.126.

This includes:

• Pulling over to the nearest edge of the roadway
• Remaining stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed
• Never entering an intersection against a red light when an emergency vehicle is present

If a driver fails to yield and causes a collision, they may be found liable for all resulting injuries, damages, and potentially even punitive measures—especially if the conduct rises to gross negligence.

Potential Liability in This Crash

While the investigation remains active, several liability factors may be examined:

Driver of the Pickup Truck

Authorities will look into whether the Ford F450 driver:

• Failed to yield to the ambulance
• Ran the red light
• Was distracted, fatigued, or speeding
• Was towing an improperly loaded or heavy trailer that affected stopping distance

Municipal or Equipment-Related Issues

Investigators may also examine:

• Whether the ambulance’s lights and sirens were functioning properly
• Whether the intersection had visibility obstructions
• Whether road design contributed to the crash

Employer Liability

If the Ford driver was working or towing equipment for a company, the employer may also be financially liable under Florida’s vicarious liability laws.

Why Crashes Involving Emergency Vehicles Are Particularly Complex

Ambulance collisions often involve:

• Multiple injured parties
• Patients whose conditions worsen because of the crash
• Emergency responders injured in the line of duty
• Conflicting accounts due to chaos of the scene
• High insurance policy limits and commercial carriers

These cases require immediate preservation of evidence, including:

• Intersection camera footage
• Ambulance GPS and operational records
• Witness statements
• Crash data from all vehicles
• Emergency response logs

Because ambulance accident cases involve unique statutory protections and procedures, injured victims should seek legal counsel immediately.

What Victims and Their Families Should Do Next

If you or a loved one was injured in this Winter Haven ambulance crash, take the following steps:

• Obtain medical treatment immediately
• Do not speak with insurance adjusters until consulting an attorney
• Preserve photographs, medical records, and witness details
• Request your police report when available
• Contact a law firm experienced in complex motor vehicle and catastrophic injury cases

Our attorneys handle only a select number of cases at a time, ensuring:

• Direct attorney involvement
• A thorough investigation into every party’s negligence
• Aggressive pursuit of compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs

We have recovered millions for clients and routinely accept difficult cases other firms turn down.

You pay nothing unless we win.

Ambulance collisions raise difficult legal and medical questions—especially when paramedics and patients suffer life-threatening injuries. Our team is prepared to guide victims and families through this complex process with compassion and expertise.