Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when the other vehicle is a California State Fire truck. If you’re wondering, “What happens if a fire truck hits your car?” you’re not alone. Accidents involving emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, present unique legal challenges because they involve government entities that are subject to different rules under the law. Whether you’re dealing with property damage, personal injury, or both, knowing your rights and how to navigate the claims process is important.
At Henderson Law, we understand how confusing and stressful these situations can be. Attorney Michael Henderson has decades of experience helping clients secure the compensation they need to move forward after a life-altering accident. If you’ve been hit by a fire truck, read on to learn more about your rights and how we can help you get the justice you deserve.
Your Rights After a Fire Truck Accident
Accidents involving fire trucks or other emergency vehicles are often complicated by various laws that grant some immunity to these vehicles when responding to emergencies. However, this doesn’t mean you have no recourse. In California, you may still be able to file a claim and seek compensation if a fire truck hits your car.
While emergency vehicles like fire trucks are typically given the right of way and special legal protections, these protections are not unlimited. According to California law, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles are exempt from traffic laws only when responding to an emergency with activated lights and sirens. If a fire truck driver was negligent or operating outside of these protections—such as running a red light without turning on lights and sirens—they may be liable for the accident.
What Happens If a Fire Truck Hits Your Car? Steps to Take
If you’ve been in an accident with a fire truck, taking the following steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Ensure safety. First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if necessary.
- Document the scene. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surroundings. Collect witness contact information as well.
- File a police report. It’s critical to file a police report, even if the fire truck was on duty. The police report will be essential when filing a claim.
- Get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
- Contact an attorney. Reach out to a qualified attorney, like Michael Henderson, who specializes in personal injury cases involving government vehicles. The claims process is different when dealing with public entities, so an experienced attorney is crucial to help guide you through it.
Exactly what happens if a fire truck hits your car is highly dependent on the circumstances and severity of the accident. Your attorney can help you understand your legal rights and the best way to pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
Filing a Claim Against a Government Entity
When a fire truck hits your car, and you’re seeking compensation, the process can be more complicated than a typical car accident claim. Because fire trucks are government vehicles, you must follow specific legal procedures.
In California, you must file a claim with the appropriate government agency within six months of the accident. This is a much shorter deadline than for most car accident cases. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. Once the government agency receives your claim, they have 45 days to respond. If the government denies your claim, you have an additional six months to file a lawsuit.
Understanding this process can be challenging, but Attorney Michael Henderson’s decades of experience handling cases involving government vehicles like fire trucks give his clients a decisive advantage. He knows how to navigate these claims and secure the best possible outcome for his clients.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If a fire truck accident caused damages or injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Any costs related to treating your injuries, from emergency room visits to ongoing therapy;
- If the accident caused you to miss work, you can seek lost income;
- Repairs or replacement of your vehicle;
- Compensation for emotional distress and physical pain resulting from the accident; and
- In cases of serious injury, you may also seek compensation for long-term impacts on your quality of life.
The exact amount and type of compensation you are entitled to will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of the property damage, and the circumstances of your accident. It is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand the value of your claim so you don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Understanding Negligence in Fire Truck Accidents
In cases where a car hits a fire truck or vice versa, determining fault can be complex. Fire trucks often engage in high-risk maneuvers when responding to emergencies, but this does not mean they are exempt from all responsibility. If the fire truck driver acted negligently—by failing to follow proper protocols or speeding without lights and sirens—you may have a valid claim for damages.
Why You Need Henderson Law
If you’re wondering what happens if a fire truck hits your car, you deserve answers and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your rights. Navigating an accident claim against a government entity can be incredibly complex, but having an experienced attorney like Michael Henderson on your side can make all the difference. With over 25 years of experience trying and settling hundreds of personal injury cases, Mr. Henderson knows how to secure the compensation and resources you need to rebuild your life. Contact Henderson Law today for a free consultation, and let us use our experience and expertise to fight for the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.