A police officer and two other motorists were injured in a Los Angeles car accident the night of December 6, 2009 after a patrol car and another vehicle crashed at an intersection in La Puente. According to a KPCC news report, the collision occurred at the intersection of Amar Road and North Sunset Avenue. The Los Angeles Sheriff's deputy was heading west on Amar Road and was responding to a 911 call. The patrol car then struck a 2007 Nissan Titan pickup truck driving on Sunset.
The driver and right rear passenger of the pickup sustained serious injuries and were taken to an area hospital. The deputy suffered minor bruises and a cut to the head and was also taken to the hospital. No arrests were made pending an investigation. Sheriff's department investigators say they believe the driver of the pickup was drinking. Officials said they have not received the results of the blood alcohol test yet, but evidence of alcohol was found near the truck.
Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics
There were two fatalities and 103 injuries involving car accidents in La Puente in 2007, according to the California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 712 people died and 56,475 injuries happened involving car accidents during the same year.
This news report leaves many questions unanswered. According to the Sheriff's Department spokesman, the deputy was responding to a call. But it's not clear how fast the police officer was going or whether he had his lights and sirens on at the time. We also do not know who had the right-of-way at the time and at that intersection. As for the driver of the pickup being under the influence, we do not know yet whether or not that was the case, since the test results are pending.
Whose Fault Was this Accident?
If the driver was under the influence, he would face criminal DUI charges and could be held civilly liable for causing the accident and injuries. If this accident was the police officer's fault, both he and his employer, could be held liable in this case. It concerns me that the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is investigating one of its own officers. It makes me wonder whether the investigation will be as fair and objective as it would be if it were conducted by an outside agency, such as the CHP.
The injured parties in this case would be well-advised to consult experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers,who will follow up with the official investigation and make sure that the victims' rights are protected. Any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injuries, according to California Government Code.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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