While rescue vehicles are generally on the scene of an accident to assist with helping those who may be injured, at times it is those very vehicles that are involved in a crash. This was the case earlier this week in Pittsburgh when a fire truck and car collided.

The incident occurred in the evening in the West End. The fire truck was reportedly in the process of responding to a call for help when the two made contact where Wabash and South Main intersect. Additional information about how the car accident unfolded is currently not known.

A woman who was in the car involved in the crash was trapped in her car. She was injured in the incident and transported to a hospital for medical treatment. As is common in car accidents she reportedly hurt her back and head in the collision. Just how serious the injuries are is unclear.

As readers of this blog are likely aware emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, have the right of way when responding to a call. They are equipped with sirens and flashing lights that can be used to alert other drivers of their presence while on the way to help someone. An investigation that is currently underway will likely uncover whether they were in use when the collision happened.

As is the case with any driver operating a vehicle on the road, drivers of emergency vehicles are expected to act in a manner that is not considered to be negligent. Accordingly, individuals injured as a result of negligence on the part of those drivers could seek monetary damages.

Source: WPXI, "Woman pulled from car after crash with fire truck in West End," Dec. 13, 2012