Video of Sleep Deprived Medic Prompts Settlement in California

Posted by: Curt Varone July 7, 2014 0

A law suit filed by a motorist whose car was struck by an ambulance has been settled just two weeks after the ambulance company turned over a dash cam video showing the medic-driver nodding off just prior to the collision.

Jeff Johnson’s car was disabled on I-5 when an ambulance from Americare Medservices struck it from behind. The sleep deprived medic driving the ambulance had allegedly been working for 24 hours.

Johnson’s attorney, Brian Kabatek, was quoted by CBSLA.com as saying “I think it’s crazy. You shouldn’t be up 24 hours driving anything”. Regarding the timing of the settlement relative to the release of the dahs cam video during discovery, Kabatek was also quoted saying “This video is about as ‘smoking gun’ as you can find.”

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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