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Paola resident asks Miami County to cover vehicle damage after county ambulance struck family car
Summary
Kevin Hightower told commissioners his vehicle was struck on Feb. 18, 2025 by a county ambulance; he said the county first acknowledged fault then the insurance company rejected the claim, and he asked the board to pay damages.
At the March 5 meeting a Paola resident asked Miami County commissioners to make good on damage to his family’s vehicle after a county ambulance struck it on Feb. 18, 2025.
Kevin Hightower, who identified himself as a Paola resident at 16 Holly Lane, said his family’s vehicle was hit on 300 Eleventh Street when an ambulance was “far over center line.” He said the county acknowledged fault when notified the following day and asked the family to obtain repair estimates. Hightower said the county later submitted the claim to its insurer, which denied the claim because no citation had been issued to the ambulance driver; Hightower said the ambulance did not stop after striking the vehicle, making citation impossible.
"When the county was notified of the incident the following day, fault was acknowledged, and we were informed the county would be paying for damages to our vehicle out of pocket," Hightower said. "Once the estimate was sent back within a day or two of the incident, the county turned the claim into their insurance. We were informed Monday that the insurance company is now rejecting the claim because a citation was not issued to the ambulance driver."
The clerk asked Hightower to leave estimates and photos with staff and commissioners told him staff would study the police report and documents and see what happens. No formal action was recorded during the meeting on the claim.
"I do have quotes and pictures of the damage and anything you guys may need," Hightower said. "Thank you."
