A fire truck and a New York City Transit Bus collided on Sunday in queens seriously injuring 14 people.
The fire engine was headed to assist with a fire with its emergency lights on when it was struck by a Q100 MTA bus in the Ditmars Blvd. and 21st St. intersection in Astoria at 12:20 p.m.. Police department and EMS arrived on the scene quickly.
Under the law of New York, an emergency vehicle may operate its vehicle when responding to an emergency. This is covered by Section 1104 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. However, in order to be protected by this statute the emergency vehicle must still not act with reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Thirteen people were on the bus at the time of the accident. According to early reports two firefighters were injured and all were removed to local hospitals and treated for injuries. Under New York No-fault law the right to receive medical treatment for those on the bus may fall to the bus company (NYCTA) or if the injured party owns a vehicle in their own home to that auto policy as the NYCTA gets a benefit to not provide no-fault if the person owns their own car. Of course, that private auto insurance can seek reimbursement from the responsible party for the accident for any related medical expenses incurred.
You can read more about the story here in a New York Daily News Article.
As a person who might be injured in such a significant accident it is so important to consider consulting with legal counsel as many issues have to be established early on.
