Multiple People Injured When NYPD Patrol Vehicle Crashed Through Bronx Intersection at Hoe Avenue and Westchester Avenue
BRONX, NEW YORK (October 7, 2022) – At least 10 people were injured in a Bronx car accident with an NYPD vehicle at Hoe Avenue and Westchester Avenue.
New York City police are saying that the accident took place on Thursday afternoon. A police officer was responding to a call about a larceny when it was cut-off by an unidentified driver.
The police vehicle swerved and struck ten pedestrians including a child. At least 3 people are believe to have sustained critical injuries.
Photos of the accident site showed a horrible mess of blood, bicycles, traffic signs and other debris. A full investigation into the crash on Hoe Avenue remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Bronx NYPD Car Accidents
Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in accidents with emergency vehicles According to the National Safety Council, “In 2020, 180 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles. The majority of these deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles (56%). Deaths among pedestrians accounted for another 25%, while emergency vehicle drivers represented 11% and emergency vehicle passengers accounted for about 5% of the deaths.” There are a number of factors that make emergency vehicles particularly dangerous.
- Emergency vehicles regularly speed and break traffic laws.
- Emergency vehicles operate at all times of night and day.
- Emergency drivers can get distracted by everything going on around them.
According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 1104(e), the drivers of authorized emergency vehicles have a legal obligation to operate their vehicle with due care for the safety of all persons. When an officer shows a “reckless disregard” for the safety of others, they could be liable for an accident. Whether officer’s showed a “reckless disregard” for the safety of others will depend on the specific set of circumstances leading up to any crash.
When a police officer is not responding to an emergency with their lights and sirens on, they must obey all traffic laws like every other driver. Pursuant to New York Vehicle Code 1146, all drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians, bicyclists and domestic animals in the roadway. If a police officer fails to reduce their speed and hits a pedestrian, the department that they worked for could be liable for the crash. Victims of pedestrian accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Any person that is injured in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, many police departments will fight hard to deny liability for any accident. A New York City pedestrian accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Bronx NYPD Car Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this crash. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all of the victims.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident with an NYPD vehicle? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
