METHUEN, Mass. -- A Methuen man who got a traffic citation for driving his car into the back of a city fire truck three years ago is suing the city for damages he suffered after getting injured in the crash.
Maximillion Piccolomini blames the injuries and emotional distress he suffered from the accident on firefighter John Paintigini, whom he said left the fire truck parked in the travel lane of Lowell Street in order to buy an ice cream, according to a lawsuit filed in Essex County Superior Court.
"Mr. Piccolomini could not see the fire truck due to the fact that it was unlit, and the weather was extreme low lying fog," Piccolomini said in a complaint seeking $75,000.
"Since the date of his accident, Mr. Piccolomini has undergone multiple treatments and medical procedures, resulting in pain, suffering, extensive periods of recovery and rehabilitation, and causing him to incur substantial medical, hospital and out-of-pocket expenses as well as lost wages," the lawsuit contended.
Piccolomini, who was 17 at the time of the July 23, 2009 crash, said he suffered a collapsed lung, neck and back strain, bruises and contusions in the crash. He seeks a jury trial.
The city, the Methuen Fire Department and firefighter Paintigini are named as defendants in the lawsuit.
"The Defendant, the City of Methuen, knew or should have known that the operation of the fire truck in the manner done by Defendant, Mr. Paintigini was unreasonable and careless and reasonably likely to lead to harm of others," the lawsuit alleged.
"Mr. Piccolomini was operating his vehicle in a reasonable, lawful and safe manner at the time of the accident," it claimed.
An accident report filed by Methuen police Sgt. Larry Phillips cited Piccolomini for a traffic violation. The report noted that Paintigini was stopped to make a left turn into Jay Gees Ice Cream.
Piccolomini didn't see the fire truck "until it was too late," Phillips wrote in his report.
Copyright 2012 - The Eagle-Tribune, North Andover, Mass.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
