A Paramus police officer responding to a call crashed into a civilian vehicle Tuesday evening, causing the car to overturn. Under New Jersey law, accident victims may still pursue compensation even when emergency vehicles are involved.

An unusual crash involving a police vehicle in Paramus, New Jersey left two drivers injured Tuesday evening and raised questions about liability when emergency responders are involved in traffic collisions.

According to reporting from Paramus Patch, aParamus police officer responding to a call involving an emotionally disturbed person was traveling eastbound on Ridgewood Avenue near Highland Avenue around 5:15 p.m. when the patrol vehicle collided with another driver.

The civilian vehicle, a 2021 Toyota Highlander operated by a 62-year-old Washington Township resident, overturned as a result of the impact.

Both drivers were transported to The Valley Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The crash is currently under investigation by the Paramus Police DepartmentCrash Investigation Unit.

📞 If you or a loved one were injured in a collision inParamus, Bergen County, or anywhere in North Jersey, call (201) 944-9200 or submit our Online form for a free consultation.

🚗 Types of Car Accidents That Can Occur With Emergency Vehicles

Accidents involving police vehicles, ambulances, or fire trucks can happen in a variety of situations, particularly when responders are traveling quickly to emergencies.

Common scenarios include:

• 🚗 Collisions at intersections while emergency vehicles respond to calls

• 🚗 Rear-end accidents involving patrol vehicles in traffic

• 🚗 Side-impact crashes when emergency vehicles enter intersections

• 🚗 Civilian vehicles overturning due to high-speed impacts

• 🚗 Multi-vehicle crashes involving police pursuit or emergency response

While emergency responders often operate under special traffic privileges, they are not automatically immune from liability if negligent driving contributes to an accident.

In many cases, victims may pursue compensation through a personal injury claim, particularly when reckless or unsafe driving contributed to the collision.

🚨 When Police or Emergency Vehicles May Be Liable for a Crash

New Jersey law provides certain privileges for emergency vehicles responding to urgent calls, such as the ability to proceed through red lights or exceed speed limits under specific conditions.

However, those privileges do not eliminate the duty to drive safely.

Courts may examine factors such as:

• Whether lights and sirens were activated

• Whether the officer slowed before entering an intersection

• Road and traffic conditions

• Whether the responding officer exercised reasonable care

If negligence contributed to the crash, injured victims may pursue damages under New Jersey's comparative fault laws.

You can learn more about how accident liability works in our guide to the personal injury claims process and how investigators determine fault.

Bergen County Roads Where Serious Collisions Often Occur

Paramus is one of the busiest commercial and traffic hubs in Bergen County, with thousands of vehicles traveling daily through major corridors such as:

• Route 17

• Route 4

• Paramus Road

• Ridgewood Avenue

• the Garden State Parkway

Heavy traffic combined with emergency response vehicles increases the potential for serious collisions.

Local investigations like the one underway in Paramus aim to determine exactly how crashes occur and whether negligence played a role.

💰 Compensation Victims May Recover After a Car Accident

When a crash results in injuries, victims may be entitled to recover compensation for a range of damages.

Potential compensation may include:

• 💰 Medical expenses and hospital treatment

• 💰 Lost wages and loss of earning ability

• 💰 Pain and suffering

• 💰 Rehabilitation and ongoing medical care

• 💰 Property damage and vehicle repairs

The amount of compensation depends on factors such as injury severity, liability, and available insurance coverage.

You can learn more about the different types of compensation available in New Jersey personal injury cases and how damages are calculated.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident Involving a Police Vehicle

If you are involved in a crash with a government or emergency vehicle, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights.

Important steps include:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.

2. Document the accident scene and vehicle damage.

3. Obtain the police report and crash investigation details.

4. Preserve medical records and repair estimates.

5. Speak with an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer before discussing settlement with insurance companies.

Investigations involving police vehicles can be complex, which is why legal guidance may be important.

Why Experience Matters in Bergen County Accident Cases

Accidents involving emergency vehicles may involve additional legal considerations, including:

• government liability rules

• municipal insurance coverage

• special investigation procedures

At Khorozian Law Group, our legal team helps injured victims throughout Bergen County and North Jersey pursue compensation after serious accidents caused by negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue after a car accident involving a police vehicle in New Jersey?

Possibly. While emergency responders have certain privileges under New Jersey law, they still have a duty to operate vehicles safely. If negligence contributed to the crash, injured victims may pursue compensation.

What should I do if a police car hits my vehicle?

Seek medical attention, document the accident, and obtain the crash report. Speaking with a qualified car accident lawyer near me can help you understand your legal rights.

📞 Talk to a Bergen County Car Accident Lawyer

Traffic accidents involving emergency vehicles can raise complex legal questions about liability and compensation.

If you or a loved one were injured in a crash in Paramus, Bergen County, or anywhere in North Jersey, contact Khorozian Law Group.

📞 Call (201) 944-9200 or submit our Online form for a free consultation.