Texas Man Awarded $250,000 for Injuries in Crash with Police Car
By Jim Greene
Published on June 07, 2010
A man injured when his car was struck by a speeding police car was awarded $250,000 this month by the San Antonio, Texas, city council to settle his auto accident claim against the city. According to reports, the officer involved in the crash ran a red light while driving 90 mph in response to a shoplifting call, even though another officer was already at the crime scene.
Darrell Lampkin required multiple surgeries for broken bones and internal injuries resulting from the November 2008 crash, according to his claim, and has not been able to work. His medical bills are reported to be more than $125,000.
Police Car Killed Officer Working Previous Accident
In addition to striking Lampkin's car, Officer David Seaton's police car struck and killed Officer Robert Davis, who was picking up emergency flares that had been set out in response to a previous accident at the scene.
According to San Antonio Police Department policy, officers are allowed to speed only in response to serious crimes, and are required to use warning lights and sirens when doing so. Since shoplifting is considered a minor crime and another officer had already arrived at the scene, investigators considered Seaton's response excessive and in violation of policy.
Officer Indicted for Manslaughter, Could Get Life Sentence
Seaton was indicted in December on felony manslaughter and aggravated assault charges; conviction on either charge could result in life in prison.
Like Darrell Lampkin, we all trust our police and firefighters with our lives, but we also trust our civic officials to establish sensible policies of emergency response and to see that they are observed. When a lapse occurs, the results can be serious.
If your life has been disrupted by the failure of public policy to ensure your safety, you may be eligible for financial compensation to help you deal with the results, including medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can fight for your right to just compensation.
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