Ambulance driver slowed at red light before truck hit in Winter Haven
December 08, 2025 | Winter Haven, FL
A paramedic suffered critical injuries after a collision between a Polk County Fire Rescue ambulance and a Ford F-450 pickup truck in Winter Haven.
John Parris suffered critical injuries when a Ford F-450 pulling a trailer struck the ambulance on Lucerne Park Road near U.S. Highway 27 in Winter Haven.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date and Time: Dec. 8, 2025, just after 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Lucerne Park Road, Winter Haven, Florida
- Vehicles Involved: Polk County Fire Rescue ambulance, westbound on Lucerne Park Road, and a Ford F-450 pulling a trailer
- Injuries: Paramedic John Parris was thrown from his seat and transported to Winter Haven Hospital in critical condition
- Agency: Polk County Sheriff's Office investigating
What Happened in the Crash?
The ambulance was en route to Winter Haven Hospital with emergency lights and sirens activated. As it slowed for a red light at the intersection, the driver checked both directions before proceeding. At that moment, the Ford F-450 entered the intersection at highway speed, striking the ambulance on its right front side.
Authorities reported that the crash caused Parris, seated in the back, to be ejected from his position. He received immediate medical attention and was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Emergency vehicle crashes often stem from drivers failing to yield to sirens and lights. Common contributing factors include speeding, distracted driving, and poor visibility at intersections.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes injure approximately 1.9 million people annually in the United States. Key causes include:
Cause |
Description |
Annual Impact (NHTSA Data) |
|---|
Speeding |
Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions |
Contributes to 29% of fatal crashes |
Distracted Driving |
Use of phones or other diversions |
Leads to over 3,000 deaths yearly |
Failure to Yield |
Not giving right-of-way, especially to emergency vehicles |
Involved in 20% of intersection collisions |
Impaired Driving |
Alcohol, drugs, or medication influence |
Responsible for 28% of traffic fatalities |
This table highlights preventable risks, underscoring the need for heightened awareness around emergency responders.
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts provide guidance on motor vehicle crashes involving emergency vehicles.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, an accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and victims must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney will carefully examine what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide accident victims during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
Key Takeaways from Analysts
- An independent investigation is crucial to protect victims' rights and determine fault.
- Thorough investigations, including reconstruction, can uncover hidden factors like road hazards.
- Legal representation ensures access to resources for fair compensation.
- Prompt action preserves evidence and strengthens claims.
Potential for Personal Injury Claims
In incidents like this, affected individuals may pursue claims for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of various expenses,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in serious auto accidents. She offers free consultations for those in need of help.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).