Firefighter Loses Leg, Possibly Saving Mother and Child

We often hear about the heroics of firefighters on the job, saving people and property in very dangerous situations, but last Tuesday, a Kansas City firefighter found himself as a victim of a car crash while while piloting a pumper truck.  That accident, which has caused him to lose his lower left leg, may have saved the lives of the mother and her 3-year-old child that were in the car that caused the crash.

Jeff Smith, a 21-year veteran of the Kansas City Fire Department was driving a pumper truck to an emergency when he saw a Grand Prix heading directly at the fire truck.  Smith's reaction was to steer the heavy vehicle sharply to the right so as not to hit the car head-on.  The collision still occurred, but at an angle, which may have saved the lives of the driver and her young daughter.  The crash caused the pumper truck to go over a utility pole and against a tree.  Smith had to be extracted from the fire truck.

Sadly, the accident was caused by the driver of the Grand Prix when she allegedly passed a line of traffic that was yielding to the fire truck, putting her car in the direct path of the fire truck.  The driver was arrested and held overnight before she was released the following day pending further investigation.

So what do we take from this?  First, the attorneys at Roswold Law Group would like to commend Smith for his quick reactions in working to avoid this crash that would have likely killed the occupants of the Grand Prix.  Like many of his co-workers at the Kansas City Fire Department, he is a true hero. 

Second, let this be a strong reminder of the importance of yielding to emergency vehicles.  As Kansas City Auto Accident Lawyers we often have to deal with the devastating results of these types of accidents and want to encourage all Kansas and Missouri drivers to pay close attention when there are sirens or emergency lights in your path.    

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury in a car accident in Kansas or Missouri, contact our experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyers.  At Roswold Law Group we want you to know your rights.  With 15 years of experience in Auto Injury Accidents we may be able to help you and your family through this difficult time.  Call our office today to set up a free consultation to discuss your personal injury claim.