Short summary: Two NYPD patrol cars crashed into a civilian's car in Borough Park, Brooklyn late Tuesday night, hurting six people. When a city vehicle is part of your crash, you generally have only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim, far tighter than the usual timeline for an ordinary crash.
The crash happened just before 11 p.m. Tuesday at 15th Avenue and 51st Street. Two NYPD cruisers, reportedly rushing to a call, collided with each other and a third vehicle caught in the intersection.
Six people ended up hurt. Five were NYPD officers and a sergeant. The sixth was the civilian driver whose car got caught between them.
What Happened on 15th Avenue
Local outlets reported the crash sent at least one patrol car onto the curb. Emergency crews treated everyone at the scene before several were taken to area hospitals.
No charges have been announced. Crashes involving multiple city vehicles like this one are typically reviewed internally by the NYPD, on top of any injury claims the people involved decide to bring.
Why a City Vehicle Changes Your Timeline
The 90-Day Notice of Claim
If you're hurt by a city vehicle, whether it's an NYPD cruiser, a sanitation truck, or an MTA bus, New York law generally requires you to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Miss it, and you can generally lose the right to sue the city entirely.
That's a fraction of the time you'd have against a private driver. It's also why acting fast matters more here than in almost any other kind of crash.
Being Hit By an Officer Responding to a Call Doesn't End the Conversation
Officers responding to emergencies get some legal leeway, but it isn't unlimited. Reckless conduct, like blowing through an intersection without due caution, can still support a claim. Every case turns on its specific facts, which is why it generally pays to get advice early rather than assume you have no case.
If a Patrol Car Hits You
- Get medical care first, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline hides injuries.
- Ask for the responding supervisor's name and the incident or complaint number.
- Photograph the scene, both vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Start your post-crash checklist the same day. The 90-day clock doesn't wait.
If you're still sore or stiff a few days later, getting checked out creates a paper trail that helps your claim as much as your recovery.
Questions New Yorkers ask us
Can I file a claim if an NYPD car hits me?
Generally, yes. You'll need to file a Notice of Claim against the City of New York within 90 days of the crash, then generally wait 30 days before filing a lawsuit. The rules differ from a normal car accident claim, so it's worth getting advice quickly.
Does it matter that the officers were responding to a call?
It can factor into the case, but it isn't an automatic shield. Whether the response was reasonable under the circumstances is generally part of what gets examined.
What if I wasn't hurt badly, just shaken up?
The 90-day deadline generally applies regardless of how serious the injury looks at first. Soft-tissue injuries and whiplash can worsen over the following days, so it's still worth getting checked and documenting the crash.
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: Patch.
