California Car Accident Reports

A 45-year-old man was critically injured in a Los Angeles car accident after his car collided with a Los Angeles Police Department patrol vehicle before striking a third car, according to an Associated Press news report. The multi-car accident occurred the night of August 25, 2009 when the officers in the patrol car were answering a call to assist another officer. Los Angeles fire officials say the patrol car had its lights and sirens on. Both the officers in the police car were taken to a hospital with minor head and neck injuries, but were said to be in stable condition. The driver of the third vehicle that was hit was not injured.

My heart goes out to the man who was critically injured in this car crash. I'm relieved that this car accident did not result in more serious injuries or fatalities given its intensity. I'm glad to hear that the two police officers sustained only minor injuries and the other driver escaped uninjured. I wish all the injured here the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 260 fatalities and 27,110 injuries were reported in the city of Los Angeles as a result of car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 712 deaths and 56,475 injuries occurred in 2007 that involved car accidents.

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this California car accident happened. The account says the location of the accident was near downtown Los Angeles. But, did it happen at an intersection? Who reported that the patrol car had its lights and sirens on? Were there eyewitnesses who saw that? Did the police officers follow proper protocol as they responded to the emergency? How fast were they going?

I agree that police officers have a job to do and nine times out of ten, it's a highly dangerous job. They put their lives on the line every single day for us. In this case, a 45-year-old man is fighting for his life. I hope and pray he makes a complete recovery. But there is the possibility that he might not make it through or if he does, he may have become disabled for the rest of his life.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

The critically injured victim's family would be well-advised to consult an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will make sure a fair investigation is done and the facts come out in this case. If the police are determined to be at fault, the city and the police department could be held liable for the man's critical injuries. In such cases, accident victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings and even cost of long-term care. Please remember that any claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.