In the early morning hours of Saturday, a fire engine's strategic positioning prevented potential tragedy on U.S. 287 near downtown Fort Worth when a truck crashed into the parked emergency vehicle. Fort Worth Fire Department Engines 5 and 14 had responded around 3:30 a.m. to a single-vehicle accident at the U.S. 287 interchange in southeast Fort Worth. Engine 14 crew members discovered the initial crash scene while circling back after the location proved difficult to find initially. Following established safety protocols, firefighters positioned Engine 14 at a 45-degree angle to create a protective barrier between the accident scene and approaching traffic. Moments after crew members exited the vehicle to begin assisting at the original crash, an oncoming truck collided with the parked fire engine. The truck's two occupants became trapped in their vehicle and required extrication by firefighters before being transported to a local hospital. No firefighters sustained injuries in the incident, and the driver involved in the original single-vehicle crash was also unharmed. Fort Worth Fire Department officials emphasized that the deliberate angled parking of Engine 14 undoubtedly saved the lives of both the responding crew and the initial crash victim.

Location and Infrastructure

The U.S. 287 interchange in southeast Fort Worth represents a critical junction in the region's highway infrastructure, connecting Interstate 35W with one of North Texas's major transportation corridors. This area experiences significant traffic volume during all hours, with particularly dangerous conditions during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced and driver alertness can be compromised. The interchange's complex configuration of merging lanes, exit ramps, and acceleration zones creates multiple points where accidents commonly occur. Highway interchanges throughout Fort Worth require heightened vigilance from motorists, as emergency vehicles frequently respond to incidents in these high-speed zones. The crash location's proximity to downtown Fort Worth means this stretch of roadway serves both commuter traffic and commercial vehicles traveling through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, contributing to consistent traffic flow even during overnight hours when this incident occurred.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Texas law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with activated lights under the state's Move Over/Slow Down law, with violations potentially resulting in fines up to $2,000. Accidents involving emergency responders can involve complex liability questions, particularly when determining whether approaching drivers exercised reasonable care in the presence of clearly marked emergency vehicles. Victims of highway collisions in Texas may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering through insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning injured parties can recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of the accident, making timely consultation with legal counsel important for preserving rights. Insurance considerations in multi-vehicle accidents involving emergency responders may include liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and potential third-party claims.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Fort Worth Fire Department: (817) 392-6700
• Fort Worth Police Department Non-Emergency: (817) 392-4222
• MedStar Mobile Healthcare (Fort Worth EMS): 911 for emergencies

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation Fort Worth District: (817) 370-6500
• Fort Worth Traffic Safety: www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/transportation-public-works
• North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation: www.nctcog.org

Support Services:

• Victims Services Division, Tarrant County District Attorney: (817) 884-1681
• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line: 1-800-252-3439
• Crime Victims' Compensation Program: 1-800-983-9933

Legal Information:

• Texas Move Over/Slow Down Law: Texas Transportation Code § 545.157
• Texas Department of Transportation Safety Information: www.txdot.gov
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-252-9690