New York police officer injured in car accident

An off-duty police officer is in the hospital following a car crash in the Bronx, according to local authorities. The officer and her passenger apparently suffered injuries in the car accident, which is still under investigation by New York authorities. At this time, no charges have been filed, though it is believed the other driver may have been responsible. 

According to limited reports available, the officer’s vehicle was struck by another car around 2:20 p.m. the afternoon of July 28. Details about the accident are still somewhat vague, but it has been confirmed the other driver failed to stop at a red light, precipitating the accident. The officer and her passenger, a 32-year-old woman, were both taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure and treated for injuries that are currently being described as minor. 

However, photos from the scene show the officer in a neck brace, suggesting she may have suffered a more serious injury than she currently realizes. Spinal injuries do not necessarily manifest immediately following an accident, and it is possible that both she and her passenger could be more badly hurt than it might seem. Additionally, as she was off duty at the time, the officer will not be entitled to workers’ compensation. 

With this in mind, New York law allows her the option to sue the other driver for personal injury in the case of this car accident. If police are able to prove the other driver blew a red light, she would have evidence to take to a civil court of his or her culpability in the accident. Such a case may stand a good chance of success.

Source: New York Daily News, “Off-duty NYPD cop hospitalized after Bronx car crash: officials“, Laura Sanicola, Thomas Tracy, July 28, 2015