Our firefighters, whether volunteer or full time, put their lives at risk for us every day. We count on these professionals to save us in the most serious of situations, including fires, car accidents, drowning, and other types of incidents. Sadly, not only are these trusted professionals put at risk when fighting fires, but face very dangerous situations while traveling to and from accident scenes.
Even when the fire truck has its emergency sirens blaring and lights flashing, there are some drivers who fail to yield to emergency vehicles, putting the firefighters at great risk of serious injury. Under Indiana Code IC 9-21-8-35, drivers are required to: “yield to an authorized emergency vehicle, when the person who drives the authorized emergency vehicle is giving audible signal by siren or displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights.”
Statistically, motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death for on-duty firefighters. Fire truck crashes take place at a rate of approximately 30,000 per year across the country.
Protecting the Rights of Firefighters in Indianapolis
Unfortunately, many drivers still drive drunk in Indiana, leaving innocent people struggling to survive, and firefighters can also be victims of DUI drivers. In a recent accident that occurred on January 16, a Wayne Township fire truck was involved in an accident in which the truck was struck by an SUV while responding to a call regarding an apartment fire. The firefighter accident occurred around 1:00 a.m., when greater numbers of DUI drivers are on the road. Police are investigating the driver of the SUV for possible DUI, according to reports. Thankfully, in this recent accident, no firefighter was injured, but the fire truck, which had only been in service for less than a year, was seriously damaged.
For a free legal consultation, call 317-636-7777
Those who put their lives at risk in service to the community deserve to be treated with the highest level of respect. Any firefighter who has been injured while performing his or her duties has the right to pursue compensation for damages, and thoroughly deserves the maximum possible for what happened, whether the accident occurred while driving to the station on a fire call, while in route to a fire or accident scene, or in any other situation.
Any firefighter who has been injured in one of these potentially deadly accidents should seek help from a qualified lawyer who will assist in pursuing compensation for all damages. At Sevenish Law, the founder of the firm, Randall Sevenish, is a former decorated Police Captain, Police Academy Instructor, and SWAT Team Commander, and has the highest personal regard for firefighters and other emergency services personnel. Now serving the community as a personal injury lawyer, Mr. Sevenish, is exceptionally qualified, dedicated and service-oriented, and personally concerned with protecting first responders rights. Call the firm today at 800-278-9200 for legal help and advice.
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