N.Y. Man Sues Department, Town Over Fire Truck Crash

Oct. 03--A town of Hounsfield man has filed suit against the town of Brownville and its fire district over injuries he suffered in a July 2012 collision with a firetruck.

David A. Bolton filed state Supreme Court action Wednesday at the Jefferson County clerk's office claiming he suffered injuries, including a broken rib, when his pickup truck was struck July 31, 2012, by a firetruck driven by a volunteer firefighter, Patrick A. Amell, at county routes 66 and 62 in the town of Hounsfield. The suit also names Dexter Fire Department Station No. 2 and Jefferson County as defendants. Mr. Amell is not named as a defendant in the action.

According to the suit, Mr. Amell was driving an "outdated and uninspected" 1970 firetruck on County Route 66 when he failed to stop fully at a stop sign at County Route 62, proceeding through the intersection and striking Mr. Bolton's truck. Police said at the time of the accident that Mr. Amell's view of potential cross traffic was obstructed by trees and no tickets were issued.

Mr. Bolton's action claims that the defendants' negligence has caused him pain and suffering and permanent injuries, as well as "extensive" economic and non-economic losses. The suit does not specify an amount sought in damages. Mr. Bolton is represented by Watertown attorney Eric T. Swartz.

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