New York City Municipal Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Crash with a City Vehicle in NYC?
New York City operates the largest municipal vehicle fleet in the country, with over 30,000 city-owned vehicles including NYPD patrol cars, FDNY fire trucks, DSNY garbage trucks, MTA buses, city vans, and street sweepers. While these vehicles serve essential public functions, they are also involved in thousands of traffic accidents each year.
If you were injured in an accident with a government vehicle in New York City, you may be entitled to significant compensation—but strict deadlines apply. The NYC municipal vehicle accident attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP have decades of experience helping victims across the five boroughs and Long Island recover the financial damages they deserve.
Why Hire a NYC Municipal Vehicle Accident Lawyer?
Accidents involving city or state vehicles are not like regular car accident claims. In New York, special legal rules apply when pursuing a claim against a government entity.
Types of NYC Government Vehicles Involved in Accidents
You may have a valid injury claim if your accident involved:
- NYPD police vehicles
- FDNY fire trucks and ambulances
- DSNY sanitation and garbage trucks
- MTA and NYCTA public buses
- DOT, DEP, or Parks Department work vehicles
- Public school buses
These vehicles may be city-, state-, or federally owned, and each type of claim has unique requirements.
Common Causes of NYC Government Vehicle Accidents
- Speeding or reckless driving by municipal employees
- Failure to yield or running red lights
- Distracted or drowsy driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance by city agencies
- Unsafe road conditions or poor street design
- Failure to use emergency lights and sirens properly
Our team will conduct a full investigation and identify all liable parties.
What to Do After a City Vehicle Crash in NYC
- Call 911 – Report the crash and request emergency medical help.
- Get Medical Attention – Prioritize your health, even if injuries seem minor.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and injuries.
- Collect Information – Get the city driver’s name, agency, and contact details.
- Get Witness Info – Their testimony could support your claim.
- Consult a Municipal Vehicle Accident Attorney in NYC – Act fast to protect your rights.
NYC Notice of Claim Requirements
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a New York City-owned vehicle, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. This applies to vehicles operated by:
- NYPD
- FDNY
- DSNY
- MTA / NYCTA
- Any NYC government department
Deadlines:
- NYC Vehicles: Notice of Claim due in 90 days; lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days
Missing these deadlines could permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
Can You Still Sue NYC?
Yes! You may still be entitled to compensation if:
- The city employee acted negligently or recklessly
- The vehicle was poorly maintained
- The agency failed to provide proper training or supervision
- An emergency vehicle was speeding without lights/sirens or endangered the public
Your NYC government vehicle accident lawyer will work to disprove immunity defenses and prove liability.
Common Injuries from Municipal Vehicle Accidents
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
- Broken Bones and Orthopedic Trauma
- Internal Organ Damage
- Wrongful Death
Due to the weight and size of city vehicles, these crashes often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Compensation in NYC Municipal Vehicle Accident Claims
If you are injured by a city, state, or federal vehicle in NYC, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
We will pursue the maximum compensation available under New York law.
How Our NYC Municipal Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we help clients in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County recover damages from accidents involving:
- Garbage trucks
- Police cruisers
- Fire trucks
- Public buses
- Work vans and service vehicles
We handle the entire legal process, including:
- Filing your Notice of Claim
- Investigating city vehicle negligence
- Preserving dashcam or surveillance footage
- Consulting with medical and crash experts
- Negotiating with city attorneys
- Litigating in court if necessary
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
- Proven Results
- Extensive Experience: We’ve handled municipal vehicle claims across all five boroughs and Long Island.
- You Don’t Pay Unless We Win: No fees unless we recover compensation for you.
- Local & Accessible: Offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County.
- Our hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials speak for themselves
- Top-Rated, Award-Winning Lawyers – Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers
- Bilingual Legal Services Available
Schedule a Free Consultation with a NYC City Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Don’t take on the city or state alone. Let our skilled attorneys fight for your rights.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
Or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.