Being involved in a car accident in Los Angeles, California, can be stressful and overwhelming. What happens if the accident involves a fire truck or other emergency vehicle? Does that change how you file a claim for compensation for your injuries and damages?
Our Los Angeles emergency vehicle accident lawyers at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers have experience handling complex personal injury cases. They have been featured on local and national news stations, in addition to being recognized by leading legal organizations. Their knowledge of personal injury law is extensive.
If you were hit by a fire truck or other emergency vehicle, call our law firm at (877) 300-4535 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Los Angeles, CA.
How M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After an Accident Involving an Emergency Vehicle in Los Angeles
Accident cases involving fire trucks and other emergency vehicles are complicated. They often involve government entities that are protected by sovereign immunity. Furthermore, California laws sometimes protect emergency responders from liability when performing their duties.
These laws do not shield government agencies and their employees from all liability. You could be entitled to compensation for damages after an accident with a fire truck. However, you need to hire a law firm with the resources, experience, and legal knowledge to handle these cases.
At M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team has recovered over $400 million in jury awards and settlements for personal injury victims. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience. Therefore, you can trust we are prepared to handle accident claims involving emergency vehicles.
When you hire our award-winning Los Angeles truck accident lawyers, we will:
- Initiate an independent accident investigation to determine who is liable for causing the crash
- File notices of claims and lawsuits before deadlines expire
- Handle all matters related to insurance claims
- Work with top-rated expert witnesses to gather additional evidence
- Determine how much your case is worth by documenting all damages
- Aggressively pursue the claim for the total value of your damages
- File a lawsuit and fight the case in court, if necessary
You should not have to bear the burden of damages caused by negligent first responders. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys.
Accidents Involving Emergency Vehicles in Los Angeles, CA
Emergency vehicles race to accidents and other situations when people need help. These vehicles include:
- Fire trucks
- Forestry department vehicles
- Ambulances
- Police cars
- Lifeguard vehicles
Generally, emergency vehicles have an exemption from various traffic laws when they are on an emergency call, pursuing a suspect, engaging in rescue operations, or responding to a fire alarm. Additionally, public employees are not liable for personal injuries or deaths resulting from the operation of an authorized emergency vehicle in the line of duty.
However, immunity from civil liability does not cover all situations. Emergency responders driving fire trucks and other emergency vehicles must follow the proper procedures and regulations. They have a duty of care to the public to take reasonable precautions to avoid causing an accident.
Motorists are required by California’s Move Over law to move over or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights. Drivers must also yield the right of way and pull over when they hear sirens or see lights flashing behind them.
Therefore, the circumstances and factors involved in an emergency vehicle accident determine whether you have a claim. Our experienced Los Angeles fire truck accident lawyers at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers understand these laws and how they apply to your case. We can look into and explain your legal options during your free consultation.
Emergency Vehicle Accidents Cause Severe Injuries
Fire trucks are very large and weigh much more than passenger vehicles. Additionally, emergency vehicles travel at high speeds. Therefore, occupants of passenger vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians often sustain catastrophic injuries in accidents involving emergency vehicles and fire trucks.
Common injuries sustained by victims include:
Accident victims can sustain permanent impairments and disabilities because of their injuries. California personal injury laws provide economic and non-economic damages for an accident claim. However, filing a claim against a government entity is difficult.
Filing a Claim for a Fire Truck Accident in Los Angeles
Most governments are protected from lawsuits by sovereign immunity. However, the California Tort Claims Act waives immunity in many instances involving personal injury.
Filing a claim against a government entity for a fire truck accident is much more complicated than filing a personal injury claim against a person. For example, in most cases, you must file a notice of claim within six months after the accident to protect your right to pursue damages. The notice of claim must contain specific information required by statute.
You have the burden of proving the government entity is liable for your claim before you can receive compensation for damages. If you are successful, you could receive an award compensating you for economic and non-economic damages.
Because of the complexity of emergency vehicle accident cases, it is best to contact an experienced Los Angeles fire truck accident lawyer immediately. Our attorneys at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers will handle all aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Los Angeles Fire Truck Accident Lawyers
Call now for a free case review if you sustained injuries in an emergency vehicle accident. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers are here to help you as you continue to recover and heal after a devastating traffic accident.
