Fire Trucks and Other Emergency Vehicles Accident

Although it may be rare, fire truck accidents and other mishaps with an emergency vehicle do occur. Since these vehicles are much larger than a passenger car and often travel at high speeds, the damage from a fire truck accident can be devastating. While your well-being and health are your first concerns, it eventually becomes apparent how difficult it is to get a just settlement, as these emergency vehicles are usually owned by a government entity. Call an experienced lawyer, like those at RAM Law in New Jersey, for help filing a claim for a just settlement.

What Happens if a Fire Truck Hits Me?

If you’re in a fire truck accident, the consequences are likely going to be severe, even potentially life-threatening, depending on the circumstances of the accident. It may be ironic that a large vehicle intended to save lives may actually take one in a traffic mishap, but it does occasionally happen, even to the most careful drivers.

Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles have been designed to carry firefighters and lots of equipment to emergency scenes. They often travel at high speeds sometimes through traffic to get where they’re headed as soon as possible. Emergency vehicles may need to make sudden stops or swerves to avoid obstacles. If a fire truck hits your vehicle, your car is likely going to be damaged, and you may sustain an injury, such as:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries
• Even death

Determining liability for an emergency vehicle accident can be complex. Liability, which points to the responsible party for causing the accident, can involve individuals, companies and government entities. If you’re involved in an accident with a fire truck in New Jersey, seek medical attention immediately and contact the authorities. You may also want to consult an experienced truck accident attorney like those at RAM Law. Contact them after your accident to determine your legal options to get compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Evidence Should I Gather if I’m in an Accident with a Fire Truck?

If you’re involved in a fire truck accident and decide to file a claim, gather as much evidence as possible on the scene after the crash to support your case. Some pieces of evidence that may be useful include:

• Contact information. Collect the contact information of the fire truck driver, as well as from any witnesses who saw the accident. Get their names, phone numbers, email addresses and if possible, their initial statements.
• Insurance information. Collect the insurance information of the fire truck driver and any other drivers involved in the accident. This includes the name of the insurance company, policy number and contact information for the insurance adjuster.
• Photographs. Take photographs of the accident scene, any property damage and your injuries. This evidence helps establish the cause of the accident and the severity of your injuries.

Afterward, you can find other types of evidence to support your claim, including:

• Police report. Obtain a copy of the police report of the accident. This document contains important information, including the date and location of the accident, the names of the parties involved and any witness statements the police recorded.
• Medical records. Keep a record of any medical treatment you receive after the accident, including doctor’s notes, medical bills and prescription receipts. These documents demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with your recovery.
• Truck sensor data. Some trucks have a black box that records the truck’s speed and other data at the time of the crash. It reveals what the driver was doing right before the accident.
• Video footage. If there were any surveillance cameras or dash cams that may have captured the accident, try to obtain a copy of the video footage. Video of the accident is invaluable for determining liability.

Then speak with an experienced trucking accident attorney. The lawyers at RAM Law in New Jersey investigate the accident to gather their own evidence and build a strong case for you. They navigate the complex legal process of filing a claim to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim after a Fire Truck Accident?

The time limit to file a claim after an accident with a fire truck is known as the statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. But certain circumstances can affect the time limit, such as if a minor was injured or if the claim is against a government entity.

Filing a claim against a fire department is different from filing a claim against a private entity because fire departments are run by a government entity like a municipality or county. This makes the process more complex and adds additional steps. Some of the ways the process of filing a claim against a fire department differs from filing another accident claim include:

• Notice requirements. Per the Tort Claims Act in New Jersey, you’re required to provide notice and specific information to the fire department or government entity within a specific time frame before you can file a claim.
• Sovereign immunity. Government entities, including fire departments, are often protected by sovereign immunity, which means you can’t sue them without their consent. In some cases, this immunity may be waived, but it’s more difficult to file a claim against a government entity than a private entity.
• Special rules and procedures. Filing a claim against a government entity may involve additional rules and procedures that are not required in a private entity case.
• Caps on damages. In some states like New Jersey, there are limits on the amount of damages you can recover in a claim against a government entity.

Why Do I Need a Fire Truck Accident Attorney?

Consult with an experienced trucking accident attorney after the crash. Find one familiar with the specific rules and procedures for filing a personal injury claim against a fire department or government entity. These legal professionals navigate the complex legal process to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive just compensation.

If you’re involved in a fire truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and damages. The compensation available to you depends on the circumstances of your accident, including whoho was at fault. Contact the New Jersey attorneys at RAM Law for the best representation and advice after a traffic accident involving a fire truck or another emergency vehicle.