Accidents with Emergency Vehicles

Although a variety of car accident statistics are widely available, the general public may not know how often on- and off-duty police officers themselves are involved in these accidents. It is not an oft-discussed topic, but some studies have uncovered startling numbers. In Florida, for example, one study found that as many as twenty Florida officers per day are involved in car accidents, according to the Orlando Sentinel. This rate does not seem so high when compared to civilians accidents – which occur 30 times as often in the state – but, by itself, remains a cause for concern not just in Florida, but across the entire nation.

A number of circumstances may result in an accident with an emergency vehicle; of course, not all are directly due to negligence on behalf of a driver. High-speed pursuits of criminals put everyone at risk, from the criminal/s and police officers to all the drivers and pedestrians on the road. Emergency vehicles en route to their destinations must contend with such traffic while driving as quickly as possible, and this can be a challenge in neighborhoods and densely-populated areas.

When an individual suffers an injury in an accident with an emergency vehicle, he/she may be pressured by the city to reach a settlement, even if his/her visible injuries appear to be minimal; doing so too quickly, however, can have serious consequences. Always remember that agreeing to a settlement of this sort cancels your right to sue, even if your injuries worsen over time. If a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in such an accident goes undetected and later develops into a debilitating condition, the individual’s chance to earn compensation will no longer be available. Of course, it’s also important to note that this applies not only to accidents involving emergency vehicles, but all motor vehicle accidents.

Victims in these accidents, as well as their families, endure a great deal of stress in addition to their physical injuries. They may be so pre-occupied with the costs of the accident and their medical treatment that they haven’t had the time to evaluate the accident in their heads and devise plans to earn compensation. When an emergency vehicle was involved, there may be more added pressure from the city to settle as quickly as possible, as cities certainly do not want lawsuits to arise from these situations. If you are facing such pressure, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side from the very beginning to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with an emergency vehicle, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.