A Tennessee fire truck loaded with three volunteer firefighters crashed while heading to a house fire caused by a lightning storm off of Highway 49. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) report, the fire truck failed to make a curb and overturned before finally coming to a rest in a ditch. The driver told THP the brakes failed. However, the fire truck accident seems to have been caused by drunk driving given that all three firefighters admitted to consuming alcohol prior to being dispatched. The house they were supposed to help extinguish could not be saved and the family suffered a total loss.
FIRE TRUCK ACCIDENTS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURIES
Firefighters and EMS workers are held to a higher standard. Their job is to help in the event of an accident, not cause an accident. When they are reckless or negligent, people’s lives are put at risk. While fire truck drivers are allowed to forego many traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights and stop signs, speeding or driving on the median, this does not necessarily mean they are not still obligated to operate in a manner that keeps others safe.
There are more than 2,000 fire truck accidents each year, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Due to the fact they are much larger and often drive at high speeds, fire trucks can inflict serious injuries in a collision. The most common reasons for fire truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Driver inexperience
- Poor weather conditions
- Equipment malfunction
While drunk driving and distracted driving are not typical causes of emergency vehicle accidents, it has been known to happen. If you have sustained injuries due to the recklessness or negligence of a fire truck driver, it is important to contact an attorney to evaluate the circumstances. You may be eligible for compensation that covers medical costs, lost wages and emotional trauma.
Stanley A. Davis is a Nashville personal injury attorney who fights for those injured in transportation accidents.
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35