New York City Emergency Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Attorneys in NYC Helping Victims Recover Compensation
We rely upon the operators of emergency vehicles like fire trucks, ambulances, and police cruisers to help us all stay safe. Sometimes, however, the police officers, firefighters, and EMTs driving them end up causing dangerous accidents. We all know how precarious it can feel to have an emergency vehicle blast through an intersection with its lights and sirens blaring. Emergency workers are forced to balance providing immediate services with getting to their destinations safely. Sometimes, they take too many dangerous risks, and they end up hurting innocent motorists. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an emergency vehicle, contact an experienced Brooklyn personal injury attorney today.
Emergency Vehicle Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic accidents that involve emergency vehicles are not uncommon. As such, NHTSA focuses considerable attention on creating comprehensive safety protocols that include:
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Promoting strict compliance with state and local laws that address the safe and efficient operation of emergency vehicles like ambulances, police cars, and fire engines
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Compiling a comprehensive list of best safety-practices to help encourage compliance with safety protocols
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Analyzing the effectiveness of said protocols
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Developing model legislation to help bolster the safe and efficient operation of emergency vehicles
Emergency Vehicle Accident Statistics
NHTSA analyzed accident data collected during the past two decades and found that there is an average of 29 fatal accidents (a total of 33 fatalities) involving ambulances each year in the United States. The vast majority of those killed are occupants of the other vehicles involved (not the ambulances). Statistics related to injuries caused by accidents involving ambulances include:
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There is an estimated average of 4,500 traffic accidents involving ambulances each year.
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34 percent of these accidents lead to injury.
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Of those injured, 63 percent are occupants of other vehicles.
While these statistics relate to accidents involving ambulances alone, they highlight the significant danger associated with accidents involving all types of emergency vehicles.
Operating an Emergency Vehicle Safely
Operators of emergency vehicles are required to heed the safety of everyone on the road. The law recognizes that these operators often need to respond as quickly as possible during emergencies, and as such, they are exempt from certain traffic laws while in emergency mode. These drivers are, nevertheless, required to use their emergency lights and sirens during emergency operations in an effort to safely alert fellow travelers to their presence. Finally, when an operator gets behind the wheel of an ambulance, fire engine, or police car in an emergency situation, he or she cannot recklessly disregard the safety of others on the road.
If You’ve Been Injured in an Accident Involving an Emergency Vehicle, Consult with an Experienced New York City Personal Injury Attorney Today
We look to emergency vehicles and their operators to help protect us, and if – instead – we’re left injured, it can be especially devastating. The dedicated personal injury lawyers at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman – proudly serving the NYC area – are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for your case’s best possible resolution. To schedule a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 212-285-3300 today.
