Fatal car accident might prompt Texas lawsuit

A 17-year police veteran was killed recently in an automobile accident during the early morning hours. According to Texas police, the accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. when the officer was responding to a call. Police have alleged that an SUV slammed into the passenger side of the police cruiser as the cruiser was in the process of making a left turn. It is suspected that the driver of the SUV was under the influence of alcohol, giving rise to potential criminal charges and a possible wrongful death action being filed against him.

Police have stated that the officer was on his way to a disturbance call in a restaurant at the time of the accident. Police further assert that the driver of the SUV, identified as a 24-year-old man, was operating his SUV with a blood alcohol content that exceeded the legal limit. It is not clear at this time exactly what the man’s blood-alcohol level was.

Authorities also say the SUV driver was operating his vehicle without the headlights on. The driver was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. Police expect to criminally charge the man with manslaughter upon his release.

Police officers have a difficult job enforcing the law in Texas. Many times their professional duties require them to place themselves in a significant amount of danger. Despite these risks, however, officers harmed in the line of duty may still be able to recover damages as a result of another individual’s negligent act. Although this tragic accident is a long way from being concluded, the facts released thus far may permit the family of the victim to seek damages through a wrongful death claim against the driver of the SUV in an effort to relieve any financial burden the unfortunate tragedy has caused.

Source: Officer.com, “Waxahachie Texas Police Officer Killed in Crash With Suspected Drunk Driver,” July 29, 2012