Fire Truck Strikes Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Truck While Responding to a Call on the West Side

A fire truck responding to a medical emergency was involved in a multi-vehicle collision Friday morning on San Antonio’s West Side, according to a report from News4SanAntonio.¹

Police say the crash happened around 8:25 a.m. on Friday, February 20, on Marbach Road near the intersection of Military Drive West. The fire truck was traveling eastbound on Marbach with its lights activated while responding to a call. For reasons still under investigation, it collided with a Bill Miller Bar-B-Q box truck that was traveling northbound on Military Drive.

The initial impact triggered a chain reaction involving four additional vehicles. Seven people were transported to the hospital—four firefighters for evaluation and three civilian drivers with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have not said whether any charges will be filed. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Did You Know?

In 2024, 558 crashes in Texas were caused by drivers failing to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.²

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Accidents Involving Fire Trucks: What Happens If You’re Injured?

Most drivers know they are required to yield when they hear sirens or see flashing lights. Emergency vehicles are given certain privileges when responding to calls—but that does not mean crashes cannot happen.

When a fire truck is involved in a collision, the size and weight of the vehicle can significantly increase the force of impact. Even a single collision can push multiple vehicles into one another, especially during busy morning traffic.

Do Fire Trucks Always Have the Right of Way?

Texas law requires drivers to yield to emergency vehicles that are using audible and visual signals. That usually means pulling to the right side of the road and stopping until the vehicle has passed.

However, having the right of way does not remove the duty to operate safely. Emergency vehicle drivers must still act with appropriate caution, especially when entering intersections.

Intersections are particularly dangerous because:

• Traffic may be moving in multiple directions

• Drivers may not immediately see or hear sirens

• Some drivers panic or hesitate

• Vehicles may already be in the intersection when the emergency vehicle approaches

These factors can quickly create confusion and increase the risk of a crash.

What Should You Do If an Emergency Vehicle Approaches an Intersection?

If you are approaching an intersection and hear sirens:

• If possible, pull to the right and stop

• Do not block the intersection

• If you are already in the intersection, clear it safely before pulling over

• Use caution and watch surrounding traffic

You should never slam on the brakes unpredictably, as that can create additional hazards.

What If Another Driver Caused the Crash?

In some situations, the emergency vehicle is not the primary cause of the collision. A third driver may:

• Fail to yield

• Run a red light

• Make an unsafe turn

• Panic and react unpredictably

If another driver’s actions caused the crash—and you were driving responsibly—you may have the right to pursue a claim against that driver.

Fault in emergency vehicle accidents depends on the specific facts, including traffic signals, speed, visibility, and driver behavior. If you did nothing wrong, you should not be left paying for medical bills or vehicle repairs yourself.

What to Do If You’re Injured in an Emergency Vehicle Crash

If you are injured in a crash involving a fire truck or other emergency vehicle:

• Seek medical care immediately

• Make sure law enforcement completes an official crash report

• Document injuries and vehicle damage

• Keep medical records and repair estimates

• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before understanding your rights

Because emergency vehicles are often operated by government entities, special notice deadlines may apply. Waiting too long can affect your ability to pursue a claim.

Injured in an Accident Involving a Fire Truck in San Antonio? Call Shaw.

Crashes involving emergency vehicles can be legally complex, especially when multiple drivers and government entities are involved. If you were injured in a collision involving a fire truck, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and hospital care

• Pain and suffering

• Ongoing or long-term medical treatment

• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity

• Property damage

We’ll help you find out for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just straightforward legal guidance when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹News4SanAntonio report

²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors 2024