New York City Fire Truck Accident Lawyer
Experienced Municipal Liability Attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fire truck accident in New York City, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Fire trucks are among the largest and most powerful vehicles on NYC streets. When collisions happen – whether in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, or Nassau County – the results are often catastrophic.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC fire truck accident attorneys have decades of experience handling complex cases involving municipal liability, government immunity defenses, and emergency vehicle collisions. We fight aggressively to hold negligent parties, including city agencies, accountable.
Fire Truck Accidents in NYC: Why They Happen
Even highly trained firefighters operating emergency vehicles can make mistakes. Common causes of fire truck crashes in New York include:
- Motorists failing to yield or pull over for sirens
- High-speed emergency responses through red lights or intersections
- Distracted driving (radios, GPS, scene distractions)
- Firefighter fatigue after long shifts
- Poor vehicle maintenance or mechanical failures
- Hazardous weather and road conditions
- Rubbernecking drivers causing secondary collisions
New York Laws Governing Fire Truck Accidents
Under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1104, fire trucks are classified as emergency vehicles. They may run red lights, exceed posted speed limits, and disregard specific traffic rules, but only when responding to emergencies, and only if they exercise due regard for public safety.
Liability May Arise If:
- The driver acted with reckless disregard during an emergency run
- The truck was not responding to an emergency, and negligence occurred
- Another driver failed to yield or drove recklessly
- Defective parts, poor maintenance, or unsafe training contributed
- Road hazards or malfunctioning traffic signals played a role
Potentially liable parties include the fire truck driver, the City of New York, the fire department, maintenance providers, or other negligent motorists.
Filing Deadlines for NYC Fire Truck Accident Claims
Claims against municipalities in New York have strict deadlines:
- Notice of Claim: Must be filed within 90 days of the accident
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: Within 1 year and 90 days
- Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Typically, within 2 years
Missing these deadlines may bar your right to recover compensation. Our NYC fire truck accident lawyers ensure your case is filed correctly and on time.
Serious Injuries from Fire Truck Collisions
Because of their size and force, fire trucks often cause devastating injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe burns and amputations
- Disfigurement and permanent disability
- PTSD and emotional trauma
Compensation Available for NYC Fire Truck Accident Victims
Victims of fire truck crashes in New York City may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term care or permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
Steps to Take After a Fire Truck Accident in New York
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical help
- Ensure a police accident report is filed
- Document the scene with photos and videos
- Gather witness information and firefighter badge/unit numbers
- Preserve medical and financial records
- File a Notice of Claim within 90 days if suing a municipality
- Contact an experienced New York City fire truck accident lawyer immediately
Why Fire Truck Accident Cases in NYC Are Different
Fire truck cases are more complex than ordinary car accidents because they involve:
- Municipal liability and government immunity defenses
- Strict filing deadlines under New York law
- Special privileges for emergency vehicles under VTL § 1104
- Catastrophic injuries requiring expert testimony
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we know how to:
- Investigate and reconstruct fire truck collisions
- Obtain dashcam, surveillance, and accident reports
- Navigate municipal filing rules
- Negotiate with city attorneys and insurance companies
- Fight aggressively in court when needed
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
- Local Harlem office plus six more across New York City and Nassau County
- Top-rated NYC personal injury lawyers (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers)
- Bilingual services available
- Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
- No fee unless we win – Our Fee Guarantee
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a free consultation with an experienced New York City fire truck accident lawyer. The consultation is free, and you won’t have to pay any extra unless we get compensation for you.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – Don’t Be a Victim Twice.