One major roadway in Virginia is the recent site of intense scrutiny. Many of the emergency personnel and first responders that patrol this area have been routinely hurt and, in some instances, killed. The reason behind this is driver negligence. In Pennsylvania, our emergency responders are no stranger to this kind of driver negligence.
First responders consist of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, police officers, and firefighters. While they are here to protect and save us, sometimes they are the ones in need of saving. First responders have of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, especially when they are patrolling our country’s interstates or saving someone’s life roadside.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 21,900 first responders were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for work-related injuries in 2016 alone. In fact, first responders are three times more likely to become injured than professionals in other occupations. These workers face many hazards every time they head out to an accident or emergency on a highway or interstate. They never know what kind of precarious situation they might face in the process of trying to save a life or rescue a civilian from danger.
The Dangers Of Speeding & Pa’s Steer Clear Law
Speeding is the biggest threat to first responders who rush to the scene of interstate or highway incidents in Pennsylvania. Drivers who speed when passing these workers are being negligent in their actions.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the “Steer Clear Law” requires drivers to move over into the next lane and/or slow down when approaching an emergency scene, traffic stop, or disabled vehicle. This law, which was implemented in 2006, is designed to prevent first responders and drivers themselves from being injured.
When drivers choose to ignore the law, catastrophe could occur. Speeding when approaching an emergency scene can cause negligent drivers to collide and possibly swerve into workers who are trying to save lives. If you are any type of emergency personnel, you may be lucky to escape these instances with your life. However, the injuries that you endure might be life-changing.
Injuries And Getting Compensation
If you are a first responder and get injured on the job due to a driver’s negligence, you could suffer from a multitude of injuries. These injuries could range from sprains and strains to broken bones and severe head injuries. As a result of these injuries, you need to seek compensation.
Many would think injured first responders could seek workers’ compensation if this type of situation, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Because a third party is the cause of your injuries and not your employer, you will have to file a personal injury claim. You will need to find out who hit you and what caused them to do so. That is why you will need the help on an experienced Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, or Scranton personal injury lawyer on your side.
Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli Today
Fellerman & Ciarimboli’s personal injury lawyers fight for the injured throughout Pennsylvania, including fighting for the rights of first responders who were injured as a result of driver negligence. Contact one of our three offices today – in Philadelphia, Scranton, or Wilkes-Barre – for a free consultation.