What Can I Do If I Am a First Responder Injured on the Road?

 Posted on November 08, 2023 in Car Accidents

First responders risk their lives each and every day. First responders can easily be injured while helping someone on a highway or the side of the road. First responders can be focused on helping someone in need and be hit by a car or injured in a car accident in seconds. If you are a first responder who has suffered an injury, you need an Illinois attorney who will go over your options and try to seek compensation for a broader range of damages than workers' compensation alone would cover.

Is Scott’s Law Intended to Save Lives?

Most people realize that helping others is a noble act, but sometimes, it can be risky, especially for emergency responders in Illinois. In Illinois, there is a law in place to protect first responders while they are on duty. It is known as Scott's Law. It is named in honor of a firefighter who tragically lost his life while assisting on the Dan Ryan Expressway, Scott's Law was created to shield first responders from harm. Under this law, Illinois drivers are obligated to do a few simple things when they see emergency vehicles on the road:

• Move over – If possible, drivers should change lanes to give responders more space.
• Slow down – Reduce your speed when approaching areas with emergency vehicles.
• Exercise Caution – Be extra careful around these areas to avoid accidents.

 In 2020, Illinois launched "Operation Lambert" with a heavy emphasis on enforcing Scott's Law. Police have increased their efforts to issue citations and make arrests, and the state has raised penalties for first-time violators.

Are Violators an Ongoing Challenge?

Despite these efforts, some drivers in Illinois ignore Scott's Law. In those cases, there is legal recourse for injured first responders. When a first responder gets injured or worse in an accident while on duty, they or their families can take legal action against the responsible driver. This allows them to seek compensation for a wider range of damages than workers' compensation alone would cover.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Northbrook, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one is a first responder who has been injured while assisting on the road, it can be life-changing. You should not have to bear the consequences of someone else's negligence. You need a Cook County, IL, personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers at Gruzmark Law, Ltd. are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact them at 847-729-7660 today to learn more or schedule a free consultation.