Over the weekend of February 13, 2010, a Florida man was killed on Interstate 95 near Fairfax County Parkway. The accident occurred when a Virginia Department of Transportation employee was stopped on the right shoulder of the road to assist a disabled vehicle. The victim was driving a Kia when he slammed into the rear of the VDOT vehicle, spun around and then hit an oncoming pickup truck that was trying to avoid the collision. Both the VDOT employee and operator of the pick up truck were transported to the hospital with injuries. Police stated that the victim was not wearing his seat belt.
Although emergency vehicles have their own set of rules to which they adhere while driving. The law clearly states that emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, or fire trucks cannot be held to the same standard of care as other drivers. Designated emergency vehicles that are responding to an emergency have special privileges. However, it is important to keep in mind that these privileges only exist if the responding vehicle is using its audible and visual signals except in the event that the emergency vehicle is not equipped with such signals.
If you, a family member, or someone you know was involved in an accident caused by an emergency vehicle or if you would like more information on car accidents, please visit us on the web at http://portnerandshure.com
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