If there’s one thing New Yorkers can count on, it’s noise, motion, and the constant blur of sirens zipping past. But when one of those sirens belongs to a police car that crashes into your vehicle, everything feels strangely still for a moment. It’s jarring. Confusing. Most people have no idea what they’re supposed to do next, which is why speaking with an accident lawyer in NYC can help you figure out how to proceed.
Why Police Vehicle Accidents Are More Complicated
Collisions involving police cars aren’t handled like regular fender benders. Government vehicles have legal protection that makes the claim process a lot more complicated. This is because they have something called “government immunity,” which means officers and city agencies are shielded from certain lawsuits.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t be compensated. The rules just work differently, depending on whether the officer was responding to an emergency.
Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Driving: How It Affects Your Claim
If the officer was on an emergency call, the law gives them extra leeway as long as they weren’t driving with “reckless disregard.” That’s worse than being negligent, but you need strong evidence like dashcam footage, witness statements, and sometimes even traffic analytics pulled from city systems to prove it.
On the other hand, if the officer wasn’t responding to an emergency, the case is treated like any other traffic collision. A New York car accident lawyer can help determine which category your situation falls into.
What You Should Do Right After the Crash
After a crash, it’s understandable that you’re shaken up and frustrated. You might find it difficult to even piece together what just happened. But the steps you take in those first minutes matter.
- Call 911 and report it, even if the police are already there.
- Get medical attention as soon as you can because injuries from sudden impact can kick in hours later.
- Take pictures and videos of street signs and vehicle positions. Even taking note of the weather can support your case.
- Jot down badge numbers or vehicle identifiers since you’re more likely to forget them quickly.
You might feel awkward gathering information from an officer involved in the crash, but you’re protecting yourself, not accusing anyone.
Filing a Claim Against a Government Agency
Keep in mind that you only have 90 days to file what’s called a Notice of Claim against the city. Miss that window, and the process gets much harder. This is one of the reasons people seek the best car accident lawyer in NYC, someone who knows exactly how to move through the city’s filing system without missing any deadlines.
Government claims require careful documentation. Sometimes hearings happen before you even get to court.
What You May Be Entitled To
Even with the added legal hurdles, victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair, and, in more severe cases, pain and suffering.
Plus, if someone lost their life in the crash, the family may pursue wrongful death benefits. They may not be simple claims that are easy to navigate, but they’re absolutely possible.
You’re Not Alone
A seasoned accident lawyer understands how evidence needs to be built, how agencies respond, and what gaps need to be filled. They can carry the burden you shouldn’t have to shoulder while you’re trying to heal.
If you’ve been hit by a police vehicle in NYC, you’re not powerless. Far from it. Talk to a trusted New York car accident lawyer and get informed on your next steps. You deserve answers, and more importantly, you deserve protection.