Rollover Crash Leaves 8 Firefighters Injured in Orange County
A rollover crash left 8 firefighters hospitalized. The incident occurred Thursday, September 19, 2024, shortly before 7pm on the 241-toll road near SR-133 in Irvine. The firefighters involved in the crash were heading home after battling the Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon. According to the authorities, a ladder dropped on the road forcing the fire truck to swerve to avoid hitting the object. The maneuver caused the firetruck to strike a guardrail and overturn.
Of the 8 firefighters involved, 6 suffered critical injuries and 2 suffered minor injuries. All firefighters were transported to trauma centers and hospitals for treatment. As of Thursday night, 6 firefighters remained in critical condition.
The firetruck belongs to the Orange County Fire Authority Santiago Hand Crew. It is unclear how the ladder got on the road. The incident remains under investigation.
Victims are being treated at the Orange County Global Medical Center, the Providence Mission Hospital, and UCI Medical Center.
This is a devasting incident that has affected the entire community. If the ladder was never on the road, the incident could have been avoided, and the firefighters would have gotten home safely.
Can victims and their families pursue injury claims? Yes – victims and their families could have the right to file claims. For more information about the legal options available to you and your family, contact the experts here at the Downtown L.A. Law Group as soon as possible. Our lawyers are more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to fight for the right to get justice.
Contact us today to speak with firetruck accident lawyers as soon as possible.
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Possible Causes of Metro Accidents
There are many different issues that could contribute to accidents involving Metro trains and passenger vehicles. Some possible causes of these accidents can include the following:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Ignoring traffic signs (including signals warning about train crossing)
- Defective traffic signals and rail crossing gates (that do not come down correctly or alert to a train crossing)
- Defective road/rail design (no barriers, for example)
Possible Injuries Associated with Train versus Auto Accidents
Although every incident is different, victims are likely to suffer some of the following injuries:
- Burn injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Fractures
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Hip injuries
- Knee injuries
- Lacerations
- Ligament damage
- Neck injuries and back injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Road burn
- Severed limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sprains and strains
Can I File a Lawsuit for Injuries Resulting from an Auto versus Train Accident?
Yes – you could have the right to file a lawsuit for any injuries that occurred as a result of a crash between a Metro train and an auto. Who can I sue? This is the more important question. All drivers on the road have a duty of care to drive safely and exercise caution at all times to avoid incidents. Metro buses and trains are considered common carriers and must always do everything necessary to preserve the safety of their riders. In addition, Metro has the duty to ensure that their train stations, crossings, signals, etc. remain operational and function as necessary to avoid any incidents. Can any other entities be liable? Based on the situation, other parties or entities could also have some liability.
What if I was a passenger on the train? If you were injured as a passenger on a Metro train, you could certainly have the right to sue Metro for any injuries resulting from an accident.
We understand that it could be difficult to determine who or what entity is responsible or liable for the harm that you or a member of your family suffered. For a thorough case evaluation and information on filing your lawsuit against Metro or any other entity involved, contact us today.
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