A potentially-fatal bicycle accident in New York City earlier this month has resulted in the arrest of an off duty firefighter. The individual (who was later identified as an FDNY firefighter) was caught on video apparently intentionally trying to drive his vehicle into a bicyclist on the West Side Highway in Manhattan on June 6th. The disturbing incident happened at the intersection of 24th Street and 12th Avenue and apparently stemmed from an argument between the two individuals. Eyewitness testimony states that the cyclist had likely snapped a photo of the vehicle after it narrowly missed striking him, initiating the entire argument.
As the argument escalated, video captured by a nearby camera shows the firefighter driving his car into the cyclist, then continuing to proceed forward, pushing the man after he’d already been struck.
The incident was called in by eyewitnesses but by the time the NYPD arrived to investigate both the victim and the driver were gone. However, because the whole disturbing scene was captured on film, the driver was easily identified, apprehended, and charged with multiple crimes including aggravated assault.
While there was no mention of whether or not the cyclist was injured, the potential for very serious-even fatal-injuries is very real anytime a vehicle strikes a cyclist. Even at relatively slow speeds, impact between a moving vehicle and an unprotected cyclist can end badly.
Important to note is that under New York’s no-fault law, the bicyclist can obtain benefits from the automobile owner’s insurance company which will pay for all health-related expenses and up to $2,000 a month for lost wages. In addition, the victim can make a claim against the owner and driver of the vehicle for pain and suffering and lost wages over and above the $2,000 a month.
If you’ve been struck by a careless, reckless, or aggravated driver, you need a qualified New York City bicycle accident attorney on your side right now. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 today for your free consultation.