New York streets can be dangerous for drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians. When a collision occurs, some drivers make a bad situation worse by leaving the scene of the accident. This violates the law and potentially delays the response of emergency personnel. Obtaining civil damages from a careless driver might also be more difficult in a hit-and-run case. Still, many motorists try to flee after a collision, presumably to avoid being caught by law enforcement. However, in a recent Brooklyn case, it was a police officer himself who apparently tried to avoid responsibility after causing a crash.
According to police reports, NYPD officer Michael Cruz fled the scene of a car crash while on duty. This incident occurred in the 88th Precinct, which covers Clinton Hill and Fort Greene. The crash resulted in at least one injury, and Cruz’s decision to leave the scene led to his suspension without pay.
Though Cruz was eventually identified, there are thousands of cases in New York where reckless drivers are never caught. In these matters, uninsured motorist coverage under the victim’s insurance policy can provide critical financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Accidents involving police vehicles add another layer of complexity to a legal claim. While officers must respond quickly to emergencies, they are still expected to operate vehicles safely. Negligent driving, such as speeding or failing to signal, can lead to serious accidents. When an officer is at fault, victims may be entitled to compensation. However, obtaining compensation from government entities such as the NYPD presents additional procedural hurdles, so you should contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer immediately if you were hurt by someone working for the state or city.
In New York, you have only 90 days from the incident to file a Notice of Claim against a municipal entity such as the NYPD. At Goldberg Sager & Associates, we get to work right away investigating injury-causing accidents and ensuring that filings are made prior to the expiration of crucial deadlines. From there, we pursue maximum compensation for plaintiffs.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car crash involving a police car or any other type of vehicle, please call us at 718-645-6677 or contact us online for a free consultation. We serve clients from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx and Staten Island, as well as Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties.
