If you’ve been injured in an accident with a firetruck or other emergency vehicle in Miami, Florida, you need help from Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers. Our experienced team can evaluate your case and help you get the compensation you need to recover.
Emergency vehicles like fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars play a vital role in public safety. However, accidents involving these vehicles can be complex and result in severe injuries. Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and legal options is crucial if you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident in Florida.
If you’ve been hurt, reach out today at (305) 937-0191 to schedule a free consultation with a Miami personal injury lawyer.
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How Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Miami, Florida
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers has proudly served clients in Miami, Florida, for many years, earning recognition for our dedication, experience, and results. Our experienced attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for injury victims throughout Florida.
Our Miami personal injury attorneys can assist you by:
- Investigating the accident and gathering crucial evidence.
- Identifying all liable parties, including government agencies or third-party drivers.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
- Filing a lawsuit if negotiations fail to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
- Ensuring you receive proper medical treatment and care.
- Protecting your legal rights every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in a fire truck or emergency vehicle accident in Miami, Florida, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for you. Contact Shaked Law today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Emergency Vehicle Accidents Happen
Accidents with emergency vehicles occur for various reasons, including:
- Speeding During Emergencies: Emergency vehicles are often permitted to exceed speed limits to reach their destinations quickly. While this is necessary in life-threatening situations, high-speed driving increases the risk of accidents.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers are legally required to yield to emergency vehicles. However, confusion or panic may cause motorists to react incorrectly, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Emergency vehicles may lawfully bypass certain traffic rules during emergencies. Despite using sirens and lights to alert other drivers, miscommunication can still lead to accidents.
- Limited Visibility: Emergency vehicles often operate in poor weather, low lighting conditions, or dense traffic, which can reduce visibility and heighten accident risks.
- Driver Fatigue or Distraction: First responders often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and impaired judgment behind the wheel.
- Mechanical Failures: Like any vehicle, emergency vehicles can experience mechanical failures that compromise safety.
Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help you better identify negligence if you’re involved in one.
Florida Laws Regarding Emergency Vehicle Accidents
Florida has specific traffic laws that apply to both emergency vehicle operators and the general public to ensure safety during emergency responses.
Emergency Vehicle Driver Protections
Florida law grants certain privileges to emergency vehicle drivers. They may:
- Proceed through red lights or stop signs after slowing down for safety.
- Exceed posted speed limits when responding to emergencies.
- Ignore certain traffic control devices when it is safe to do so.
These privileges allow emergency vehicle drivers to respond quickly and effectively in urgent situations.
Motorist Responsibilities
Under Florida’s “Move Over” law, drivers must:
- Move over one lane (if possible) for stopped emergency vehicles.
- Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing emergency vehicles.
- Failing to adhere to these laws can increase the risk of collisions and liability in accidents.
By following Florida’s “Move Over” law, motorists help protect emergency personnel and reduce the risk of preventable accidents and serious legal consequences
Who Is Liable in Emergency Vehicle Accidents?
Determining liability in an accident with a fire truck or emergency vehicle can be complex. While these vehicles have certain legal privileges, they must still exercise reasonable caution when driving. Responsible parties might include:
- The Emergency Vehicle Driver: If the driver operated recklessly or ignored safety protocols, they may be liable.
- The Municipality or Government Agency: Florida laws protect government entities under sovereign immunity rules, making lawsuits more challenging, but possible if negligence can be proven.
- Another Motorist: Sometimes, another driver’s negligence may have caused the crash.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: Mechanical failures due to defective parts could shift liability to the vehicle manufacturer.
Understanding who is responsible requires a careful investigation of the accident’s circumstances.
Steps To Take After an Accident With an Emergency Vehicle
Taking appropriate steps after an accident with an emergency vehicle can protect your rights and strengthen your injury claim. You should:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your priority. Even if injuries appear minor, seeing a doctor ensures proper care and documentation.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Reporting the accident creates an official record, which can be valuable evidence in your claim.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Collect witness statements and contact information. Obtain the emergency vehicle driver’s information, including their agency and badge number.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Even if you believe you contributed to the accident, avoid admitting guilt until speaking with an attorney.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and advise you on your legal options.
Taking these steps will give you the best chance at both physical and financial recovery.
Contact Our Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a fire truck or other emergency vehicle in Miami, Florida, Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our experienced Miami personal injury lawyers understand Florida’s laws and can guide you through the legal process. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.