Buffalo Emergency Vehicle Collision Lawyer
Emergency vehicles play a critical role in keeping Buffalo and the surrounding communities safe. But when a collision occurs involving police cars, fire trucks, or ambulances, the consequences for other drivers can be catastrophic. Emergency vehicle crashes are more complex than the average car accident, and navigating the legal system in these cases requires experience with both personal injury law and New York traffic regulations.
At Brown Chiari LLP, our Buffalo emergency vehicle collision lawyer helps individuals and families recover after serious crashes involving first responder vehicles. These cases often involve complicated questions of liability, government immunity, and multiple layers of insurance. Whether you or a loved one was injured due to a speeding ambulance, a negligent police officer, or a collision with a fire truck, our legal team is here to help you pursue a personal injury claim and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.
Understanding Emergency Vehicle Accidents in Buffalo
Emergency vehicles such as police cars and fire trucks are allowed to bypass certain traffic laws in emergency situations. However, this does not mean that they are exempt from responsibility when a crash occurs. These drivers still have a duty to exercise caution and ensure the safety of others. When they fail to do so, and someone suffers a serious injury as a result, they may be held legally responsible.
Car accidents involving emergency vehicles often occur at high speeds, through intersections with traffic signals, or in areas where pedestrians and other drivers may not have time to react. The resulting injuries can be severe, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. In the most tragic cases, these accidents may even result in wrongful death.
Our firm has helped countless injury victims throughout Buffalo, New York, and Western New York who were harmed in collisions with emergency vehicles. We understand how to navigate these cases, how to challenge the assumption that the first responder was not at fault, and how to gather evidence—including police reports, dash cam footage, medical records, and witness statements—to build a strong case.
Legal Challenges in Emergency Vehicle Collision Cases
One of the key challenges in these cases is determining fault. Under New York law, emergency vehicles have limited protections, but they must still operate with due regard for the safety of others. If an emergency vehicle was operating without lights and sirens, ignored traffic signals, or failed to yield the right of way when not responding to an emergency, the driver and their department can be held liable.
New York follows the comparative negligence rule, meaning that more than one party can share responsibility for a crash. Our car accident lawyers work diligently to establish liability, evaluate the accident scene, and consult accident reconstruction experts when needed. These steps are crucial in overcoming defenses and securing a fair settlement or favorable trial verdict for our clients.
Insurance companies are often quick to deny claims involving emergency vehicles, and they may argue that your injuries sustained were caused by something else or that you share blame. That’s why having experienced personal injury attorneys by your side is essential. We fight back against these tactics and pursue every available path to just compensation.
What to Do After an Emergency Vehicle Crash
After any car crash, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately—even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt treatment helps protect your health and provides important documentation for your case.
You should also avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting a personal injury lawyer. Adjusters may use your words against you, especially in complex cases involving city departments or government entities. Brown Chiari LLP offers a free consultation so you can understand your legal rights and options before taking the next step.
If the accident involved a family member or resulted in fatal injuries, our attorneys can also represent surviving family members in a wrongful death claim. We know how emotionally difficult these legal matters can be, and we’re here to guide you through them with clarity and compassion.
Pursuing Compensation After a Collision with an Emergency Vehicle
Injured victims in these cases may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care expenses. In some cases, punitive damages may also apply if the emergency vehicle operator acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety.
Our firm handles personal injury cases involving emergency vehicles with a focus on results. We have a proven track record of securing fair compensation for accident victims across Buffalo and Erie County. Whether you were hit in downtown Buffalo, on a major roadway, or at one of the most dangerous intersections in the region, we are here to help.
These claims often require aggressive advocacy, especially when dealing with government agencies or uninsured motorist coverage. Our personal injury lawyers understand how to push back against delays, denials, and unfair settlement offers to ensure our clients receive the financial support they need to recover.
Brown Chiari LLP Represents Injury Victims Across Buffalo and Western New York
Brown Chiari LLP is one of the most respected personal injury law firms in Buffalo, known for representing catastrophically injured plaintiffs in car accident cases, truck accidents, and other serious personal injury claims. Our legal services are tailored to the needs of each client, whether your case involves a straightforward car crash or a collision with a municipal emergency vehicle.
We provide personalized attention and aggressive legal representation from start to finish. Our lawyers have helped clients throughout Buffalo NY and Buffalo New York obtain compensation through civil litigation and insurance negotiations. We understand the emotional and financial stress that injury victims face and are committed to helping you through every step of the legal process.
Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. From initial investigation through trial, we are here to fight for your rights, your recovery, and your future.
Learn more about Buffalo Emergency Vehicle Collision Lawyer. Call Brown Chiari LLP at (716) 681-7190 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
FAQ
Can I sue if I was hit by an emergency vehicle in Buffalo?
Yes, if you were injured in a crash involving an emergency vehicle and the driver was acting negligently, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. Emergency drivers are not exempt from responsibility when operating unsafely.
What makes emergency vehicle crashes different from other car accidents?
Emergency vehicle crashes involve additional legal issues, including potential government immunity and more complex questions of fault. These cases require experienced car accident lawyers who understand both personal injury law and New York traffic laws.
What types of compensation can I recover after an accident?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. In cases of severe or permanent injuries, additional damages may be available.
How do I prove fault in an emergency vehicle collision?
Proving fault involves gathering evidence such as accident scene photos, police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements. Your attorney may also work with experts to reconstruct the crash and challenge any claims made by insurance companies.
How much does it cost to hire a Buffalo car accident attorney?
Brown Chiari LLP offers a free consultation and works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.