A vehicle crashed into the Bethpage Fire Department’s Station 4 on Wednesday morning, and one person was seriously hurt. Investigators have not yet released a cause. Below, we review what has been reported and how New York law may apply to those who were injured.
What Happened at Station 4
As reported by News 12 Long Island, the car crashed into the fire station just before 10:30 a.m. on September 9, near Stewart Avenue and Arumdaun Street. One person suffered serious injuries. The vehicle was heavily damaged.
Police have not said what caused the crash.
That detail is significant. When a car strikes a building, the cause often determines who is legally responsible.
Why a Car Might Strike a Building
These crashes usually trace back to a few familiar causes:
- A sudden medical emergency behind the wheel
- Pedal error, where the driver presses the accelerator instead of the brake
- A collision with another vehicle that forces a car off the road
- Brake failure or another mechanical defect
- Impairment, distraction, or excessive speed
Each one points toward a different party. A defective brake system could implicate a manufacturer or repair shop. A second driver who ran a light may bear responsibility. In other cases, fault rests with the person driving the car that hit the building.
Insurance Steps After a Serious Crash
No-Fault Benefits Come First
New York is a no-fault state. Injured drivers and passengers generally turn first to the insurer of the vehicle they were riding in for medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
The deadline is short. The NY Department of Financial Services advises that written notice of a claim must reach the no-fault insurer within 30 days of the accident.
The Serious Injury Threshold
No-fault coverage doesn’t pay for pain and suffering. To pursue those damages against an at-fault party, an injured person usually has to show a “serious injury” as defined under Insurance Law Section 5102. That definition covers fractures, significant disfigurement, and permanent limitations and more.
Injuries described as serious often meet this standard. But the medical records must support it.
When Legal Guidance Helps
Evidence from a crash like this one fades quickly. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, the vehicle’s event data recorder, and witness accounts are all worth preserving within the first few weeks.
A Long Island, NY car accident lawyer can request those records, deal with insurers, and assess whether a claim extends beyond no-fault benefits.
Speak With Our Team
If you or a family member was hurt in a collision in Bethpage or elsewhere on Long Island, Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers can review what happened and explain your options. Contact our office to speak with a Long Island car accident lawyer about your claim.
