What Happens if a Fire Truck Hits You?

Fire trucks are essential vehicles designed to respond quickly to emergencies, often traversing busy streets with urgency. However, the immense size and weight of these vehicles can pose significant risks if they’re involved in accidents, particularly when colliding with pedestrians or smaller vehicles. 

Understanding what happens if a fire truck hits you is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians alike. After all, an accident like this can cause significant damages, so you may need an Atlanta personal injury lawyer at John Foy & Associates.

The Impact of Size and Weight

Fire trucks are massive machines, typically weighing between 20,000 to 50,000 pounds or more, depending on their size and equipment. Their considerable weight, combined with their large size, means that collisions involving these vehicles can result in catastrophic damage.

When a fire truck collides with a pedestrian or a smaller vehicle, the impact is often severe due to the sheer force exerted by the truck. Pedestrians struck by fire trucks can suffer life-threatening injuries or even fatalities due to the vehicle’s weight and momentum.

In the case of smaller vehicles, such as cars or motorcycles, the impact can be devastating. Fire trucks can crush smaller vehicles upon impact, leading to severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants. The weight disparity between a fire truck and a typical passenger vehicle means that the occupants of the smaller vehicle are at a significant disadvantage in a collision.

What Types of Injuries Can We Represent?

Injuries resulting from collisions with fire trucks can vary widely in severity, depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, and whether safety measures were in place. Some common injuries sustained in accidents involving fire trucks include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in accidents involving high-impact collisions. TBIs can range from concussions to more severe injuries that result in long-term cognitive impairment. Contact our Atlanta traumatic brain injury lawyers now.
• Spinal cord injuries: The force of impact in a collision with a fire truck can cause spinal cord injuries, ranging from mild to severe. These injuries can lead to paralysis or lifelong disabilities.
• Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from the collision can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or ruptured organs, which may require immediate medical attention.
• Fractures and orthopedic injuries: Collisions with fire trucks can result in broken bones, fractures, or other orthopedic injuries due to the force of impact and crushing injuries sustained in the accident.
• Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash, sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries are common in accidents involving rapid acceleration or deceleration, such as collisions with fire trucks.
• Psychological trauma: In addition to physical injuries, individuals involved in accidents with fire trucks may also experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety, which can have long-lasting effects on their well-being.

Legal and Financial Ramifications

Accidents involving fire trucks can lead to complex legal and financial ramifications for all parties involved. Determining liability in such cases requires a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the accident and identify any contributing factors.

In cases where the driver of the fire truck is found to be at fault, the fire department or municipality may be held liable for damages resulting from the accident. This can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

However, establishing liability in accidents involving emergency vehicles can be challenging due to factors such as emergency response protocols, traffic conditions, and the actions of other drivers on the road. In some cases, governmental immunity laws may also limit the ability to pursue legal action against the responsible parties.

What to Do if You’re in a Fire Truck Collision

If you find yourself involved in an accident where a fire truck has hit you, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

• Check for injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, seek medical attention immediately.
• Call 911: Contact emergency services to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. It’s essential to have the authorities document the incident for insurance and legal purposes.
• Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver of the fire truck and any other involved parties. Include first and last names, contact information, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any visible damage, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals. This documentation can be valuable evidence later on.
• Gather witness information: If there are witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information. Witness statements can provide additional support for your claim.
• Do not admit fault: Avoid making any statements or admissions of fault at the scene of the accident. Let the authorities and insurance companies determine liability based on the evidence.
• Contact John Foy & Associates: After addressing immediate medical needs and ensuring the safety of all parties involved, it’s essential to seek legal guidance. Our team at John Foy & Associates has experience in personal injury cases, including accidents involving emergency vehicles like fire trucks. We can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

Remember, seeking legal representation early in the process can greatly impact the outcome of your case. Our experienced attorneys are here to advocate for you and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact John Foy & Associates Now to Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents involving fire trucks can have devastating consequences for all parties involved. Understanding the risks associated with collisions with these massive vehicles is essential for promoting road safety and preventing accidents.

Have you been involved in an accident with a fire truck? If so, get The Strong Arm and call John Foy & Associates today to get your free consultation.