Fault for this Orange County Accident
Absent the suspect somehow causing the accident, which would seem unlikely, the liability for this Orange County accident would likely rest with the City of Garden Grove. In general, a police officer must use reasonable care when transporting a suspect, and striking a parked semi-trailer would seem to suggest such care was not being exercised. However, there could be a number of explanations for the happening of the accident, such as a mechanical failure or even illegal parking of the semi.
- Public Entity Liability For Auto Accidents
Under California law, a public entity (such as the City of Garden Grove) is usually liable for injuries caused by negligent acts or omissions in the operation of any motor vehicle by an employee of the public entity, acting within the scope of his or her employment. This is true even if the vehicle is an emergency vehicle and lights and sirens are being used. The public entity in an emergency situation may still be held liable if there if their employee drives in such a way so as to expose others to an "unreasonable risk of harm."
If you or a family member has been injured because of the neglect of a public entity employee, such as a police officer or fire department employee, contacting an experienced Orange County auto accident attorney is perhaps the best way to find out about your rights to compensation for any injuries or damages suffered.
