Short summary: A federal lawsuit says an aggressive NYPD chase policy helped cause a fatal 2024 Bushwick crash. The practical lesson for families: claims involving city vehicles or agencies generally require formal notice within 90 days. That is dramatically shorter than most deadlines people know. Yours may differ; ask early.
In May 2024, a driver fleeing a traffic stop in Bushwick blew through stop signs and struck two women crossing Eldert Street. A 71-year-old woman was killed. Her 44-year-old daughter survived with serious injuries.
This week, the daughter filed a federal lawsuit arguing that the NYPD's aggressive pursuit policy at the time helped cause the crash, as reported by Gothamist and the New York Daily News.
The NYPD has since changed course. In February 2025 it limited chases to the most serious and violent crimes, ending pursuits over traffic infractions and minor offenses.
Why this matters beyond one case
Crashes tied to police pursuits are complicated in a way most crashes aren't.
There can be more than one responsible party: the fleeing driver, and sometimes the government entity involved. Each comes with its own insurance, its own lawyers, and its own rules.
The deadline trap
Here's the part that catches families off guard. Claims involving city vehicles or city agencies generally require formal notice within 90 days. That is dramatically shorter than the deadlines people expect.
Miss that window and options can disappear before a family has even finished grieving. Your deadline may be different, and that is exactly why you should get advice now, not later.
If a fleeing driver or a chase injured someone you love
Write down everything you remember. Request the police report. Keep every medical record. And get free advice early, before deadlines decide the case for you.
Start with a free case evaluation, or read the 10-step checklist to protect what you still can.
Questions New Yorkers ask us
How long do I have to file a claim involving a city vehicle in New York?
Claims involving city vehicles or agencies generally require formal notice within 90 days, much shorter than people expect. Your deadline may be different, which is exactly why you should get advice now, not later.
Who can be responsible in a police-chase crash?
Sometimes more than one party: the fleeing driver, and in some situations a government entity. Each comes with its own insurer and its own rules, which is why families benefit from early advice.
Not sure where you stand after a crash? Get your free case review or call (888) 208-0529. A real person answers, 24/7.
Reporting: Gothamist and the New York Daily News. Photo by Mark Mühlberger on Unsplash.
