Emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances have certain privileges on the road. However, drivers of these vehicles can still cause and/or be at fault for motor vehicle accidents that result in serious and fatal injuries. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 168 people died in accidents involving emergency vehicles in 2018. Fifty-six percent of those deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles, such as passenger cars.
The experienced accident attorneys at William Mattar handle cases in a variety of practice areas. If you’ve been injured in an accident with an emergency vehicle, we can help. Our team will fight for you every step of the way and ensure you receive the compensation you need. Contact us today at 844-noswap444-4444 to get started on your claim.
Emergency Vehicle Privileges
Per New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, authorized emergency vehicles have certain privileges when involved in an “emergency operation.” These include the right to proceed past a steady red light, flashing red signal, or stop sign but only after “slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation.” Emergency vehicles can also exceed the speed maximum limit, among other privileges.
Emergency vehicles have the right to disregard specific traffic laws when engaged in an “emergency operation,” but they will not relieve the driver from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. Drivers of emergency vehicles cannot drive with reckless disregard for the safety of others. If an emergency vehicle caused an accident that resulted in your injuries, contact a William Mattar attorney today to learn about your legal options.
Causes of Emergency Vehicle Accidents
Most drivers know of the presence of an emergency vehicle when they hear sirens and/or see the vehicle’s lights. However, for several reasons, a driver might not see an emergency vehicle approaching and fail to pull over or move to allow space for the vehicle. An emergency vehicle driver may also not see another motor vehicle on the road, thereby causing a collision.
The high speeds of emergency vehicles can also contribute to a potential crash. Drivers of police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks must maneuver quickly through traffic when responding to emergency calls.
Some emergency vehicle accidents may involve a “chain reaction” caused by an initial collision. The NSC reported that 74 percent of deaths in emergency vehicle accidents occurred in collisions involving multiple vehicles. Several vehicle occupants, including those in the emergency vehicle or other cars, can suffer serious injuries in multiple-vehicle crashes.
New York Emergency Vehicle Accidents
A few primary types of emergency vehicles can be involved in motor vehicle crashes, including police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks. According to the NSC, in 2018, police vehicles accounted for the most accident-related deaths involving emergency vehicles, with 107 fatalities. This was followed by 47 deaths and 14 deaths involving ambulances and fire trucks, respectively.
If you have been injured in an accident with an emergency vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can look closely at your case and help determine if the emergency vehicle driver or another party can be found liable for the crash.
Hurt in an Emergency Vehicle Accident? Call William Mattar
If you’ve been in an emergency vehicle collision and suspect you are injured, call William Mattar law offices. Our car accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience to tackle any accident case. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our offices at 844-noswap444-4444 or fill out our free online consultation form to speak to a member of our legal team.