NYPD Investigating Fatal Ambulance Accident Involving Cyclist in Staten Island’s Graniteville Neighborhood
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK (October 24, 2026) – A bicyclist has tragically died in a Staten Island ambulance accident by the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Christopher Lane.
New York City officials are saying that the collision occurred in the borough’s Graniteville neighborhood late on Sunday night. A cyclist in his 40s was reportedly traveling southbound in the north lanes of Richmond Avenue when he was hit by an ambulance making a left turn.
The force of the impact threw the bicyclist into the road and caused him to sustain major head and body trauma. He was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in critical condition.
Unfortunately, he was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The ambulance was not transporting any patient at the time of the crash. A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability for Staten Island Bicycle Accidents
Ambulance drivers in New York have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid traffic collisions. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1146, “every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicyclist, pedestrian, or domestic animal upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.” Multiple factors have to be considered when evaluating liability for a collision involving an ambulance.
- Emergency Status:It matters whether or not the ambulance operator was in the midst of an emergency operation.
- Right of Way:It matters whether the ambulance driver making a left turn had the right of way or appropriate traffic signal at the time of the crash.
- Visibility:The visibility and sight lines at an intersection should also be taken into consideration.
- Collision History:The history of collisions at the intersection can also reveal latent safety issues that may have contributed to the crash.
If an ambulance driver turns into the path of a cyclist, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There is a presumption of negligence on the part of any person that fails to yield to an oncoming cyclist that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. It is also possible that liability for any ambulance accident could extend beyond the driver determined to be at fault. The private or public entity that the ambulance driver worked for could also be vicariously liable for the collision.
Getting Legal Help for Staten Island Bicycle Accidents
We at GLK Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of the cyclist killed in this ambulance accident. This was a preventable tragedy that should’ve never occurred. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the NYPD.
Have you or a loved one been injured due to the negligence of an ambulance driver in New York City? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of bicycle safety advocates is here to support you. We are committed to helping victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
