Kalamazoo, MI (November 28, 2023) - Two Kalamazoo County firefighters were involved in a crash as they responded to a medical call Tuesday morning, according to the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. The fire authority said one of its vehicles on the scene was hit, producing minor damage in an undisclosed region near Portage. Both firefighters were taken to the hospital and “are doing OK at this time,” according to SKCFA. The Portage Department of Public Safety and the Pavilion Township Fire Department also responded and are handling the ongoing crash investigation, though no additional details were released.

We are thinking of the injured victim and their loved ones. We hope for their fast and full recovery.

First Responder Injuries in Michigan

Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in Michigan and around the nation every day. Tragically, these occurrences affect everyone. That is to say, law enforcement and emergency personnel are not safe. These responders are vulnerable to injury in car accidents just like anybody else, whether they occur during a routine traffic stop, a high-speed pursuit, or a little collision on the highway.

No matter what the source of a responder's workplace injury is, Michigan's no-fault car insurance and workers' compensation statutes protect. Through one of these channels, the injured person may recover damages to cover things like medical expenses and lost wages.

In addition, there are circumstances under which a first responder may be allowed to launch a civil complaint against the negligent motorist. If a police officer is hurt in an auto accident in Michigan and makes a claim against the at-fault driver, the victim'ss financial recovery will be capped at whatever the at-fault driver's insurance policy allows.

For example, a police officer may be eligible to submit a claim for "underinsured" or "uninsured" motorist status if he or she sustains injuries in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance or who does not have enough insurance to cover all of the officer's losses. If the police agency does not get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for its patrol vehicles, the victim may have limited legal options.

A skilled attorney may greatly help in obtaining compensation for victims regardless of the route they choose to follow after an accident. Our Eastpointe personal injury lawyers at Christopher Trainor & Associates are well-versed in what it takes to construct a compelling personal injury claim. Please contact our Kalamazoo injury attorneys at 248-886-8650 immediately if you have been injured in an accident and would need information on how to proceed.

Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.