A motor vehicle accident in Brooklyn left two New York police officers seriously injured. Thankfully, authorities do not believe the injuries are life-threatening. However, both officers were taken to nearby hospitals, and one suffered two broken legs.
The police car ran through an intersection as the other car, which was described as a cab, was turning left. The police car had activated its lights and sirens and was responding to a report of gunshots. Police were not able to determine who was firing a weapon when they investigated later.
The driver of the other vehicle was not physically hurt. He was not transporting a passenger but on his way to pick one up. Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.
Determining fault could be difficult
One would expect that the officers will be able to access workers’ compensation benefits to cover some of their injuries and lost wages.
However, these benefits do not cover their non-economic losses, like pain and suffering, and may not even cover all of their financial losses. For example, serious fractures can leave an officer with limited mobility, possibly for the rest of his life. Continuing to work in public safety could be difficult.
These officers may need additional compensation to maintain financial stability, and in order to get it, they may seek to hold other parties, including the cab driver, responsible.
New York does have laws requiring that other vehicles yield to emergency responders, including police cars, when they have their lights and sirens on.
However, drivers of emergency vehicles also have a duty to be careful, even when they are responding to a reported emergency.
In short, liability may not be clear in this case without a thorough investigation, which is one reason why these officers would consider seeking professional representation that will help them get the compensation they need and deserve.