What Legal Options Does a Family Have After a Fatal Hit-and-Run Involving an Ambulance in Brooklyn?

A 44-year-old woman was struck and killed early Thursday morning at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Avenue O in Brooklyn when an ambulance making a left turn hit her as she crossed the street (see video below). According to reports, the ambulance did not stop after the impact. Surveillance footage shows the moment of the collision and bystanders rushing to help, while authorities continue to investigate whether the driver realized what had occurred. The ambulance has been identified as being operated by Maimonides Medical Center.

Incidents like this are deeply troubling, not only because of the loss of life, but because they involve a vehicle entrusted with providing emergency care. When an ambulance is involved in a fatal hit-and-run, the legal and factual issues become significantly more complex, and families are often left with urgent questions about accountability and their legal rights.

Families should speak with experienced trial attorneys immediately. These cases move quickly, and critical evidence such as surveillance footage, vehicle data, and witness accounts can disappear within days.

1. A Wrongful Death Lawsuit May Be Brought

Under New York law, the family of the victim may bring a wrongful death claim against all responsible parties.

In a case involving an ambulance, that can include:

The driver of the ambulance
The hospital or entity that owns and operates the ambulance
Any third parties that may have contributed to the crash

A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of parental guidance and services
Conscious pain and suffering prior to death (if applicable)

2. Emergency Vehicles Are Not Immune from Liability

Ambulances are granted certain privileges under New York law—but they are not above the law.

Even when responding to an emergency, ambulance drivers must operate their vehicles with due regard for the safety of others.

Key legal issues often include:

Whether lights and sirens were activated
Whether the driver made a safe and controlled turn
Whether the pedestrian had the right of way
Whether the conduct rose to the level of reckless disregard

If those standards are violated, liability may still be imposed.

3. The Hit-and-Run Element Changes the Case

The fact that the vehicle left the scene introduces serious additional issues.

In a case where the vehicle has been identified, questions include:

Whether the driver knew or should have known a person was struck
Whether emergency response protocols were violated
Whether there was a failure in supervision, training, or internal reporting

Leaving the scene can significantly strengthen a civil case depending on the facts developed.

4. Claims Against a Hospital or Public Entity Require Immediate Action

When an ambulance is operated by a hospital or municipal entity, strict procedural rules apply.

In many cases, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days.

Failing to act within that window can prevent the family from pursuing compensation.

Early legal involvement ensures:

Proper identification of all responsible entities
Timely filings
Preservation of key evidence

5. Multiple Sources of Compensation May Be Available

These cases often involve layered liability and insurance coverage, including:

Insurance carried by the ambulance operator
Institutional liability coverage
Potential third-party claims

A full investigation is required to identify every available source of recovery.

6. Evidence Must Be Secured Immediately

Critical evidence in these cases can include:

Surveillance video from nearby locations
Ambulance GPS and onboard systems
Dispatch and communication records
Witness accounts

This evidence can be lost quickly if not preserved.

Why These Cases Require Experienced Trial Lawyers

Fatal pedestrian cases involving ambulances are complex and heavily defended. Institutions may argue:

The ambulance was responding to an emergency
The driver did not realize a collision occurred
The pedestrian contributed to the accident

These defenses must be carefully examined and challenged.

Speak With a Brooklyn Auto Accident Attorney Immediately

If a loved one was killed in a hit-and-run involving an ambulance in Brooklyn, immediate legal action is critical.

The Brooklyn auto accident attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf handle complex wrongful death and emergency vehicle cases across New York City and are prepared to investigate and pursue full accountability.

Free Consultation: 212-943-1090
Contact the firm to discuss your legal options.