Fire Truck Accidents 

Most drivers have had the experience of encountering a fire truck responding to an emergency on the roadways. Emergency vehicles have to respond to calls quickly, and unfortunately, accidents can occur 

An analysis of fire truck crashes found that every year there are roughly 30,000 accidents involving fire trucks. Given these numbers, potential accidents are also a concern for firefighters and emergency responders as well. 

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a fire truck, we are happy to take a look at your case to see if we can help you. The truck accident attorneys at William Mattar P.C. can help assess your case and guide you through the legal process. Contact our offices at (844) 444-4444 today. 

Laws for Emergency Vehicles 

Like police vehicles and ambulances, fire truck drivers can exercise certain privileges when involved in an emergency operation. This is why it’s understood that when a fire truck is blaring its sirens, traffic should move over to allow it to pass. According to New York  Vehicle and Traffic Law, the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle is entitled to certain privileges that other motorists on the road do not have. For example, when involved in an “emergency operation” the driver can, among other things, proceed past a steady red signal, flashing red signal, or stop sign; exceed the maximum speed limits; or disregard regulations governing directions of movement or turning in specified directions.  

The Vehicle and Traffic Law makes clear, however, that these privileges “shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.”  

What Causes Fire Truck Accidents?  

Fire engines are some of the largest vehicles on the road and can be challenging to maneuver. While responding to an emergency call, drivers of fire trucks often travel at high speeds through traffic and disregard traffic laws. Under these circumstances, fire truck accidents sometimes happen.  

Accidents can result from another vehicle failing to pull over or stop to make way for a fire truck. Cars that pass by an emergency scene and slow down to observe can also block traffic and cause an accident with a fire truck.  

Even though emergency vehicle drivers have certain privileges, they can still be found liable for an accident when they act with reckless disregard for the safety of others. An attorney can review the facts of your case and help you decide whether you have a potential claim.  

Can I Get Compensation for a Fire Truck Accident? 

If a firefighter and/or emergency vehicle driver caused your accident, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the employer, which is sometimes a municipality. A claim or lawsuit against a municipality – such as a town, city, or county – can get complicated. Furthermore, there are often short time deadlines for taking legal action against a government entity. If you’ve been injured in a fire truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This will depend on the facts of the case, which an experienced accident attorney can assess. An accident attorney can investigate your case and submit legal documents right away. If you are looking for an attorney do not hesitate to call us. 

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Today  

If you have been injured in a fire truck accident, contact William Mattar. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can speak with you about your case and answer any inquiries. Call (844) 444-4444 or complete our online consultation form to schedule a free initial consultation today.