Often the blame for an accident may fall on two people.
In this case, the mother of a young woman killed in a mid-intersection collision with a police cruiser alleges that the officer was driving recklessly and negligently just prior to the crash.
The 21-year-old woman, a passenger in the Jeep involved in the wreck, was ejected on impact. She was unresponsive at the scene, and was transported to a local hospital. The officer was taken to another medical facility.
The police records of the investigation into this crash indicated that the young woman’s boyfriend ran a stop sign moments before the collision. That may have been the end of things. However, a surveillance video obtained by the plaintiff’s attorney, showed the officer was driving his cruiser in a manner the attorney deemed reckless while on the way to a non-emergency call.
As it turned out, the officer was traveling 80 miles-an-hour in a 40-mile-an-hour zone and ran a red light. The Jeep driver and the police cruiser met in an intersection, killing one and seriously injuring another.
The young woman’s boyfriend is also filing a lawsuit against the officer and the city, but to obtain compensation for his injuries as a result of the crash. Even though liability for this accident may be apportioned, he should still be able to recover enough to deal with his medical bills.
Does the mother of the deceased have a case? In all likelihood she does, particularly since there is video evidence that shows the officer was speeding and ran a red light. This evidence, while convincing for a jury, and likely to render a verdict for the plaintiff mother, will not bring her daughter back. However, it may send a message to the city and the police department that a police officer cannot hide behind a badge if they have done something wrong.
Wrongful death lawsuits are about many things, including a way to resolve grief, find closure, move forward and to send a message to the negligent wrongdoer that their actions have consequences. If you have been in a situation such as this one, reach out and contact an experienced Atlanta injury lawyer. You need help getting your case to settlement or trial.
Stephen M. Ozcomert is an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta Georgia. To learn more, visit http://www.ozcomert.com/ or call (404)-370-1000.