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Negligent Police Car Crashes Subject of New York Court of Appeals Decision

This week, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled in that a law protecting police officers from liability for police patrol car accidents does not apply if the police officer files a private lawsuit against another driver.

The law at issue protects policy officers from lawsuits if they are negligent (but not if they are “grossly” negligent). The facts were presented to the Court of Appeals were unique. A Broome County Deputy was injured while making a u-turn in his patrol car. His emergency lights were on in order to chase down a speeding driver. The deputy sued the driver who struck him. The driver alleged that the deputy was partly at fault. The deputy argued that he could not bear fault under New York State law. The Court of appeals disagreed with the deputy.

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict all types of motor vehicle accidents, including accidents involving police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles. If your or a loved one were hit by a police car, struck by a firetruck, or injured by an emergency vehicle, you and/or your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York car accident attorney, contact Bottar Law, PLLC now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.

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