Emergency vehicles are a symbol of help and hope. When accidents occur on Florida highways, emergency crews are used to aid those harmed in the crash. But like any other vehicle on the roadways, emergency vehicles could be involved in an automobile crash. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, however, the impact of the crash could result in a serious accident site.
This is what occurred recently on a Tampa road. Based on preliminary reports, a Tampa Fire Rescue vehicle was traveling eastbound on Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard near the intersection with Tampa Street when it collided with an SUV. It was not clear which direction the SUV was traveling and on which roadway.
The impact of the crash caused the SUV to rollover. Inside the vehicle was a man, woman and infant. The male occupant was able to get out of the vehicle and remove the infant; however, the woman was trapped and had to be cut out. All three suffered injuries and were transported to the hospital. No emergency personnel in the fire rescue vehicle suffered injuries.
Initial investigation of the crash discovered that the rescue car was not carrying a patient at the time of the crash. Furthermore, the rescue vehicle was not traveling to an emergency at the time of the collision. Investigation is still ongoing at this time.
Car crashes can occur at any time and could involve any type of vehicle. Thus, collisions are very unexpected and could leave victims suffering greatly. When negligence is the cause of a crash, those harmed have the ability to hold the negligent driver accountable. A personal injury action not only seeks to place liability on the party at fault but also helps to make victims whole again. Compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages could help offset the harms and losses caused by the crash.