2 People on Long Island Beach Hit by Police Vehicle

Two people were hospitalized after a police truck reportedly ran into them on a Nassau County beach Sunday, July 16.

The victims were a 36-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man, who were both laying on the beach at about 8 p.m., near Edwards Boulevard and the Boardwalk. According to local media reports, the police officer was returning from an emergency call on the beach and apparently did not see the two people. He stopped to assist as soon as the accident occurred.

The victims were both taken to South Nassau Communities Hospital, where the woman was treated for a broken finger and a serious leg injury. The man was treated for severe torso injuries. Both were expected to survive.

The police department was prepared to launch a full investigation into the accident. It is up to the district attorney’s office to determine if there was any criminal element to the case, which will in turn determine if the department must take disciplinary action against the officer. It doesn’t look like any criminal charges will be filed.

Taking civil action against a police department

Although there will likely not be a criminal element to this recent case, the victims may look at filing a personal injury claim against the police department. When an officer’s negligence results in injuries to innocent citizens, and that negligence occurs within the scope of an officer’s work, his or her employer (the police department) could be liable for any injuries that occur as a result.

If you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence or reckless actions, speak with a skilled personal injury attorney at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia LLP right away.