Buffalo, New York, Car Accidents Caused By The Failure Of Emergency Vehicles To Use Reasonable Care

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and His Veteran Team of Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., Established as an American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Personal Injury Law Firm, Aggressively Litigate to Obtain Unparalleled Results for Victims Injured in Car Crashes Caused by Reckless Emergency Vehicle Drivers in Buffalo, New York.

Car accidents involving emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks are extremely problematic throughout the country. New York law takes into consideration that emergency vehicle operators need to respond rapidly to crises. As such, provisions of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VAT) grant first responders reacting to alarms, police calls, accidents, and fires with qualified liability exemptions. When operators are responding to emergencies, they are technically allowed to violate traffic laws, such as running red lights and stop signs, speeding, and parking in zones where stopping would not otherwise be permitted. Emergency vehicle drivers can disregard normal traffic laws as long as such driving does not endanger anyone’s property or life. As a result, drivers involved in emergency operations are generally released from all legal responsibility unless they fail to use reasonable care or display a reckless indifference for the safety of others.

Regardless of the legal authority for emergency responders to break traffic laws, they may still be held responsible for accidents caused by disregard for prudent and responsible driving under the given circumstances. Vehicle and Traffic Law 1104(e) requires operators of authorized emergency vehicles to drive with due care for the safety of everyone on the road. In other words, the immunity provisions do not shield emergency vehicle operators from the consequences of carelessness. According to the Court of Appeals, reckless disregard can be established by demonstrating that the driver consciously ignored known risks of harm and overlooked substantial dangers, which would be expected to result in harm.

Suppose that you, or a family member, were injured in a car accident because a first responder failed to use reasonable care; contacting a highly experienced personal injury lawyer is of the utmost importance. Demonstrating that an emergency vehicle driver should be held liable can be difficult due to the higher burden of proof. However, Jed Dietrich, Esq., acclaimed as an American Institute of Trial Lawyers Litigator of the Year, has wide-ranging experience proving legal responsibility in collisions concerning irresponsible emergency vehicle drivers. Retain our team of elite personal injury lawyers so that we can meticulously investigate your accident and corroborate your claim. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested attorneys have fought for numerous victims and their family members after devastating emergency vehicle accidents.

Although no amount of compensation can erase the agony and distress caused by your collision, money can considerably decrease your financial burdens and pay you for your injuries. The Dietrich Legal Team will avidly litigate to obtain the compensation that you deserve for every damage suffered. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has successfully fought against insurance companies and defense attorneys to obtain more than $175 Million in verdicts and settlements for victims who were injured in Buffalo, New York, and throughout New York State. Our devotion to achieving incomparable results is what makes us the best at what we do. We would be happy to offer you a complimentary evaluation and consultation regarding your case. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s veteran team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 716-839-3939 or by completing our online consultation form. There is never any fee until you receive payment!

Due to the size and speed of emergency vehicles, injuries caused by careless first responders can be catastrophic to occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and all others in the vicinity. It is imperative to seek emergency medical care for your injuries because receiving proper treatment and documenting your injuries can assist the recovery process as well as support your case. Frequent injuries caused by emergency vehicle accidents include:

1. Deep lacerations and bruises;
2. Internal bleeding and organ damage;
3. Fractured and broken bones;
4. Severe whiplash;
5. Neck and back injuries;
6. Total paralysis;
7. Acute disfigurement;
8. Life-long disability;
9. Traumatic brain injuries; and
10. Wrongful death.

When determining whether or not an emergency vehicle operator should be held liable for an accident, it is important to remember that a higher legal standard exists. The standard for most motorists is ordinary negligence, which means that they failed to drive with the same standard of care as a reasonably prudent driver would under the same or similar circumstances. For example, when speeding or distracted motorists cause accidents, they can be held liable for negligence. However, as previously mentioned, the law provides immunity to drivers of emergency vehicles. When responding to an emergency, first responders are allowed to violate traffic laws and will normally not be held liable for ordinary negligence. To hold an emergency operator responsible, you must be able to demonstrate that the driver acted with reckless disregard for your safety. It is important to mention that this higher standard only concerns emergency vehicle drivers who are responding to emergencies. In all other situations, even first responders can be held liable under the ordinary negligence standard.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s persistent and thorough team can act quickly to methodically investigate your claim and gather evidence to prove that an emergency vehicle operator’s failure to drive with reasonable care caused your accident. Our mission is to provide you with peace of mind so that you can focus on getting back everything that you have lost. Our battle-tested lawyers will incorporate effective legal tactics to enhance your chances of obtaining damages for present and future medical costs, life-long disfigurement, rehabilitation, lost wages from work, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and much more. Contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his seasoned team of attorneys now at 716-839-3939, or by completing the online consultation form.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!