How Accidents Involving Fire Trucks And Other Emergency Vehicles Put Atlanta Residents At Risk
Fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles help protect public safety, but sharing the road with them can leave motorists vulnerable.
At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers represent victims and their families in emergency vehicle crashes, protecting their rights to compensation. If you or a loved one got hurt in this type of collision, here’s what you need to know.
How Emergency Vehicle Accidents In Atlanta Happen
A DeKalb County emergency vehicle was involved in an accident with another motorist. According to a June 13 Atlanta News First report, it happened when a fire truck crashed into another driver near I-285, on Flat Shoals Road. Two children and an adult were injured.
Firefighters and other emergency responders are trained to act quickly in life-or-death situations, but they must still adhere to specific safety protocols. Failing to do so can lead to otherwise preventable accidents. Among the most common causes:
- Running red lights without clearing intersections;
- Driving at excessive speeds through congested or residential areas;
- Failing to use lights and sirens to warn other motorists;
- Improper lane changes or sudden stops;
- Driver distraction or inexperience behind the wheel of a large emergency vehicle;
- Mechanical failures or lack of vehicle maintenance by the city or agency.
The National Safety Council warns that an estimated 200 people are killed and thousands of others suffer serious injuries in accidents involving emergency vehicles each year. Determining whether the emergency driver acted within the scope of the law is key to determining liability.
Can You Sue After an Emergency Vehicle Accident in Atlanta?
Emergency vehicles are protected under the Georgia Traffic Code, which allows them to break certain traffic laws during official responses. However, this does not give them a free pass to drive recklessly.
If you get injured in a fire truck or other emergency vehicle in Atlanta, you may be entitled to hold the city, county, or other government agency liable. However, first you must show:
- The accident happened due to driver negligence, not just simple error.
- The emergency vehicle was not using proper warning devices, such as lights or sirens.
- You were not violating traffic laws when the crash occurred.
- The government entity failed to maintain vehicles or train operators.
Keep in mind that government immunity is a common defense in Georgia emergency vehicle accidents, so it is important to get legal help.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Crashes involving fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles are common in Atlanta and can leave victims with life-altering injuries. Shiver Hamilton, LLC has the experience and skill needed to handle these types of complex personal injury claims.
We protect the rights of clients across Atlanta, as well as in Decatur, Alpharetta, Marietta, Johns Creek, Savannah, and all of DeKalb County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. To get the compensation you need to cover your losses, contact our office today and request a consultation with our Atlanta truck accident lawyers.
Sources:
atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/06/14/dekalb-fire-truck-involved-accident-2-children-1-adult-have-minor-injuries/
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/emergency-vehicles/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20198%20people%20died,with%20each%20experiencing%2032%20deaths.
https://dps.georgia.gov/ask-us/resources/georgia-traffic-codes
