Woman Killed in Crash With Police Car
While police officers are there to help those involved in car accidents, sometimes they actually cause them. In many cases, these crashes result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Sadly, this was recently the case in New Jersey. A police officer on duty crashed a patrol vehicle with a civilian’s car on Memorial Day, killing a female passenger. The fatal accident occurred on the morning of May 27 in Franklin.
The collision happened near the intersection of State Route 23 and Walsh Road. The crash involved an on-duty Franklin police officer in a department vehicle who collided with a civilian car. A passenger in the civilian car, a 19-year-old New Jersey woman, suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash. She was taken to Morristown Medical Center, where she was declared brain dead. She died two days later.
Authorities have not provided further details on how the crash happened, but the woman’s GoFundMe account claims that the police officer was speeding with no lights or sirens on. The crash is under investigation.
The passenger who died was a woman from Vernon. A GoFundMe has been set up to help her family with expenses. It has raised more than $17,000 so far. The woman was an organ donor, and was able to save other peoples’ lives through the New Jersey Sharing Network. She worked as a teacher’s assistant after graduating from the New Jersey Youth Corps.
What Happens if a Police Officer Causes a Car Accident?
When a police officer causes a car accident, several factors come into play. What happens next depends on the circumstances of the accident, whether the officer was on duty, and the applicable laws and policies. Here’s a general outline of what typically happens:
- Immediate medical attention is given to anyone injured in the accident.
- An accident report is filed, often by a different police officer in order to ensure impartiality.
- The police department will usually conduct an internal investigation to determine the cause of the accident and whether any policies or procedures were violated.
- If the officer was responding to an emergency or carrying out official duties, different standards and immunities may apply. If the officer was off duty, the officer is generally treated like any other civilian driver.
- If the investigation finds the officer at fault, they may receive traffic citations or face charges similar to any other driver. They may face internal disciplinary actions.
- Victims of the accident can file a civil lawsuit for damages. Contact a lawyer for help.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Collisions can cause serious injuries and death, as seen in this case. Police officers need to be careful when they are on duty, as their actions can be deadly.
A Morristown car accidents attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can help you following a crash. If you have been seriously injured in a car crash, you deserve an attorney who will do more than just handle your auto accident claim. The family-focused approach of our firm will provide you and your family with the service that you truly need and deserve during this difficult time. Schedule a consultation today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
patch.com/new-jersey/hopatcong-sparta/woman-19-killed-after-crash-police-sussex-county-officials
