Government officials have put several regulations and laws into place regarding the use of vehicles on the Kansas roadways. Although the government and its employees seek to improve roadway safety, they are not immune from being involved in car accidents. Car accidents can occur between any Kansas resident at any time.
A recent car crash that occurred in Kansas City reminds of us of this reality. The fire station had just received notice of an apartment fire, and dispatched a fire truck to the scene of the fire. The fire truck collided with another vehicle on the way. No firefighters were injured. The other car sustained damage, and the passenger may have suffered a personal injury. The firefighters called an ambulance to the scene of the accident. Because the fire department was involved in the car accident, the city and the fire department now may face a lawsuit for the damages and injuries sustained in the accident.
There are several considerations with respect to damages in a civil lawsuit. An issue that plaintiffs may not realize is the duty to mitigate damages: a defense often asserted by a defendant who may be found liable for damages. The duty to mitigate provides that an injured party must take reasonable precautions to minimize and reduce potential damages. For instance, an injured party’s failure to seek immediate medical attention may reduce the person’s ultimate recovery of damages for personal injuries.
Someone hurt in a car accident may not realize that they have these obligations. It is important to be cognizant of these considerations before filing a lawsuit and requesting particular damages.
Source: The Kansas City Star, “Kansas City fire truck is involved in wreck as crews head to apartment fire,” Allison Long, Feb. 7, 2014