Mopeds are tiny vehicles, especially compared with a truck of any size. In addition to lacking mass, mopeds provide almost zero protection for the operator. In any collision between a moped and a larger vehicle, the moped operator is likely to suffer serious or perhaps fatal injuries. This outcome was the unhappy case in Danville on the morning of April 16 when a moped collided with a city fire squad Ford F550.
The accident
According to Danville police, the Aldy moped was heading north on Main Street when it entered the intersection with 2nd Avenue. The fire department vehicle was traveling eastward when it entered the same intersection. The two vehicles collided. The moped operator was treated at the scene and taken to Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, where he died. The operator of the fire department vehicle was apparently uninjured.
No lights on the truck
The fire department vehicle was responding to a lift assist call and was not being operated in an emergency response mode. The truck did not display flashing light or sound its siren.
The first media reports of this accident did not provide any indication about which of the drivers may have been at fault. However, the fact that the fire department vehicle was not displaying any of the usual warnings for such a vehicle, such as flashing lights or sounding its siren, may indicate that the driver of the truck was negligent, either by speeding or failing to provide the safety warnings with which it was equipped.
Determining who is at fault
Anyone who has suffered a significant injury with a municipal vehicle that was equipped with various warning features may have a sound claim for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, temporary or permanent disability, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer should be consulted before commencing a lawsuit.