Wheelchair Accidents During Medical Transport: Who’s at Fault?

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is meant to be a safe, reliable service for people who need help getting to medical appointments. For individuals in wheelchairs, it’s especially important that drivers and attendants follow strict safety protocols. Unfortunately, wheelchair-related accidents during medical transport happen far too often—and many are the result of negligence.

At Race Law Firm in Atlanta, we help clients who’ve been injured due to careless or improper wheelchair transport. Here’s what you need to know about liability and your legal rights.

Common Types of Wheelchair Accidents in NEMT

Wheelchair users face serious risks during NEMT rides when safety procedures are ignored or corners are cut. Some of the most common incidents include:

• Tip-overs during loading or unloading – Often caused by improper use of ramps or lifts, or a failure to secure the chair during transition.
• Falls inside the vehicle – If the wheelchair isn’t properly secured using tie-downs and restraints, it can shift or tip during transport.
• Ejections during sudden stops or crashes – An unsecured or poorly restrained passenger may be thrown from the chair, leading to severe injury.
• Injuries while being assisted by staff – Careless handling, lack of training, or failing to lock brakes during transfer can all cause preventable accidents.

Many of these incidents result in broken bones, head trauma, soft tissue injuries, or worse—especially for elderly or medically fragile individuals.

When Is Negligence Involved?

Negligence occurs when the NEMT provider or its employees fail to exercise reasonable care. This can include:

• Not using proper wheelchair restraints or tie-down systems
• Allowing untrained or unqualified staff to assist wheelchair users
• Ignoring safety procedures for ramps, lifts, or loading
• Failing to secure the vehicle properly for passengers in wheelchairs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stresses the importance of proper wheelchair securement in transit. Yet, many transport providers rush the process or skip steps entirely. If a provider violates known safety standards, they may be legally responsible for any injuries that occur.

When the NEMT Company May Be Liable

In Georgia, NEMT companies are held to a duty of care when transporting patients. If a wheelchair accident happens due to their negligence, the company—or its insurance provider—may be liable for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income (for the patient or caregiver)
• Long-term disability or rehabilitation costs

Importantly, even if the company contracts its drivers, they may still bear legal responsibility under respondeat superior laws if the driver was acting within the scope of their duties.

What to Do After a Wheelchair Transport Injury

If you or a loved one was hurt during NEMT in Atlanta, act quickly. Take photos of the scene, keep records of medical treatment, and get contact information for witnesses or staff present. Then, speak to an attorney with experience in NEMT injury claims.

At Race Law Firm, we know how to hold negligent transport providers accountable. Contact us today at our office in Atlanta, GA, for a free consultation—let’s get you the justice and compensation you deserve.