Emergency Vehicle Accident Attorneys in Denver, CO, Seeking Justice for Accident Victims

Emergency vehicle drivers have undergone extensive training to facilitate their ability to safely and quickly navigate through traffic when necessary in emergency situations. When the sirens are on and they are on a call, operators can often traverse streets with astonishing speed and skill. Because of their unique responsibilities, they are often given a wide berth in regards to traffic rules. However, they still have a duty to operate their vehicles within a safe level so as not to endanger the lives and well-being of others on the road.

Emergency Vehicle Accident Attorneys in Denver, CO, Seeking Justice for Accident Victims

If you are injured in an accident with an emergency vehicle, it can seem ironic and frustrating since these are the very people who are supposed to help and protect you in dangerous situations. Many people are hesitant to file a personal injury lawsuit against an emergency vehicle operator, but these operators should be treated to the same standard as any other driver on the road. If they acted negligently and caused a car accident with serious injuries, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your medical expenses, the emotional trauma you suffered, and any future medical bills you may have. Since it can be complicated to file claims involving emergency vehicle collisions, and you only have a short window to file your case, it is critical to contact a personal injury law firm as soon as possible. Call Genco Injury Attorneys today at 303-500-1376 for a free consultation.

What Causes Emergency Vehicle Accidents?

Emergency vehicles include fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and any other means of transportation that needs to get to emergencies in a timely manner to provide aid to citizens. Although emergency vehicle operators are highly trained, situations sometimes occur where an operator may drive in an unsafe or negligent manner, leading to traffic accidents. Some common causes of collisions with emergency vehicles include:

• Failure to properly use lights, sirens and horns to alert drivers of your presence.
• Running red lights or intersections without making sure the area is clear.
• Following other vehicles too closely, which can cause rear-end collisions.
• Taking corners or turns at unnecessary or uncontrollable speeds.
• Weaving through traffic in an unsafe manner.
• Trying to use spaces in lanes that are too small for the vehicle.

How Does Government Immunity Apply to an Emergency Vehicle Operator?

One of the main challenges when seeking compensation for an accident involving an emergency vehicle is the fact that most emergency vehicle operators are granted governmental immunity when performing their jobs. Under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA), many government entities are protected from legal claims. This means that if the accident occurred while the vehicle was en route to an emergency with its lights and sirens on, and the driver took the necessary precautions to drive safely, they will likely be immune from lawsuits. So is there any avenue of recourse for the victim? Yes, if the emergency vehicle operator failed to exercise due caution in their driving or acted negligently, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities, the victim or their families may be able to seek compensation against the operator’s employer. However, there are strict rules governing filing deadlines and how the claim must be handled, so hiring a law firm familiar with the CGIA to properly handle your case is critical. You must act quickly, as the statute of limitations for cases involving a public entity or its employees is six months from the date of the accident. A reputable attorney can offer you a free consultation to determine the viability of your claim and discuss your legal options.

What Damages Can Be Seeked in an Emergency Vehicle Accident Case?

If you have a viable personal injury claim, there are two main types of damages your attorney can secure for you. The first is actual compensatory damages. These compensate for the actual economic losses that occurred as a result of your injury. Some examples of this compensation include:

• Expenses for emergency room visits and surgeries.
• Lost salary.
• Health insurance copayments.
• Medical equipment.
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
• Transportation costs to and from medical appointments.

General compensatory damages are non-monetary losses you suffered as a result of the accident. These losses are a little more difficult to assign a dollar value to. Generally, the more severe your injuries are and the longer they have affected or will continue to affect you, the higher your compensation will be. Some common examples of general compensatory damages include:

• Emotional distress.
• Future medical expenses for long-term injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Loss of ability to earn income in the future.
• Mental anguish.
• Pain and suffering.

In the case of fatal accidents, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death and damages for loss of companionship and lost income.

Why Is It Vital To Hire An Experienced Attorney For Your Claim?

Filing a case against a public entity for the actions of a negligent emergency vehicle driver can be complex and complicated. Not to mention, because of the respect many people have for police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, it can be uncomfortable to consider taking legal action against them. But if you have suffered injuries in a car accident with a fire truck, ambulance, or police car, you deserve to be compensated for the losses you have suffered. The people who operate these vehicles are worthy of respect, but they should also be held accountable for their actions. Especially if they have caused harm to the public they are supposed to protect. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a collision with an emergency vehicle in Colorado, contact Genco Injury Attorneys for a free case evaluation: 303-500-1376. We will offer you a no-obligation consultation, where we can discuss your legal rights and options for seeking fair compensation.