【法律】What to Do If You Were Injured by a Third Party During an Emergency Evacuation | BECKER LAW GROUP

Becker Law Group, with offices in Pasadena and Alhambra, is a leader in representing injury victims in high-stress scenarios, including emergency evacuations during wildfires, earthquakes, floods, or other disasters. The firm provides bilingual, trauma-informed counsel to individuals harmed by the actions or negligence of third parties in chaotic evacuation situations.

Legal Framework in California
Emergencies can quickly turn dangerous when panic, confusion, or poor decision-making leads to injuries caused by others—such as vehicle collisions in evacuation traffic, physical altercations, trampling, or unsafe conduct by property managers, transportation providers, or even fellow evacuees. California law allows injured persons to pursue claims for compensation if another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts contributed to the harm, even during disasters.

Who May Be Liable?

• Other Evacuees: Drivers causing collisions, individuals acting recklessly or violently, or those who block safe egress.

• Property Owners/Managers: Failure to provide safe exits, crowd control, or adequate lighting; locking exits or poor emergency procedures.

• Transportation Providers: Negligent operation or inadequate passenger protection.

• Event Organizers or Employers: Inadequate emergency planning, staff training, or supervision.

Types of Claims and Damages
Victims may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (immediate and long-term)

• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, trauma

• Property damage

• Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct

What Must Be Proven?

• The third party owed you a duty of care (e.g., reasonable conduct, safe premises, emergency protocols)

• They breached this duty through action or inaction

• This breach directly caused your injuries

• Actual damages resulted

Practical Steps After an Injury During Evacuation

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Health and documentation come first.

2. Report the Incident: File reports with property management, event organizers, employers, and (when appropriate) law enforcement.

3. Gather Evidence: Take photos, collect witness contacts, preserve clothing or physical evidence, request surveillance footage if available.

4. Consult Legal Counsel: An attorney can identify liable parties, manage communications with insurers or property owners, and ensure claims are filed on time.

Special Considerations

• Comparative Fault: Even if you shared responsibility, California law allows partial recovery; compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

• Government or First Responder Liability: Special notice and immunity rules may apply; deadlines can be as short as six months.

• Immigrant and non-English-speaking victims: All rights are protected regardless of status; Becker Law Group offers Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish services.

Time Limits

• Most personal injury claims: Two years from the date of injury.

• Claims against public/government entities: Notice required within six months.

Conclusion
Emergencies heighten risk, but legal protections remain in force. Injuries during evacuations deserve careful investigation, prompt legal guidance, and strong advocacy. Becker Law Group’s trauma-informed, bilingual approach ensures victims and families get the support they need to recover and seek justice—even under the most chaotic circumstances.

Sources:

• California Civil Code (negligence, premises liability)

• Judicial Council of California: Disaster and emergency injury claims

• Becker Law Group emergency/evacuation injury resource center

• [LA Times, Reuters: Disaster evacuation injury coverage]