A collision between a Poway Fire Department engine and a Honda Accord left one dead after the fire engine struck the car broadside. The passenger in the car, a 19 year-old aspiring fashion model, was killed in the accident when the engine pushed the car into a roadside light pole. Three firefighters riding in the engine were unhurt and attempted to provide aid to the driver of the Accord as well as passenger, Evelyn Courtney, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The fire engine involved in the collision was traveling at a high rate of speed en route to a medical-aid call around 4 a.m. when the collision occurred and firefighters staffing the engine contend that the vehicle was using its overhead emergency lights. Passengers of the engine, that struck the Accord broadside, also claim that the traffic light was green when they passed under it, but an investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing.
While the necessity of the service provided by emergency response vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances is apparent, operators of emergency vehicles should also always be aware of other motorists. Although the lights and sirens on emergency vehicles are designed to alert others sharing the road, emergency vehicles often travel at high speeds and maneuver quickly in an effort to reach accident scenes as soon as possible. Realistically, lights and sirens cannot prevent all accidents involving emergency vehicles traveling at high rates of speed and other motorists; the unfortunate result of these accidents can be catastrophic.
At Berman & Riedel, LLP, our thoughts are with the victims of this unfortunate accident and their families, and it is our sincere hope that accidents like this can be avoided in the future through increased awareness of drivers. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an automobile accident, please call our office today at (858) 350-8855 to identify the rights you may have to be compensated for your loss. To learn more about our team of attorneys, paralegals and staff please visit our team page.
