Attorney
Unfortunately, on April 19, three people were injured when a police car struck them as they were pushing a stroller in Baltimore County.
According to CBS News, the accident took place around 11 p.m., as an officer was traveling near the 6600 block of Security Boulevard, responding to an assault call. Those injured included a man, woman and baby.
The accident remains under investigation. Police did say that the officer had the vehicle’s lights and sirens activated at the time of the crash. Two of the victims were taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital and one person was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
Why Do Police Car Accidents Occur?
Sadly, each year, thousands of police cruisers are involved in accidents nationally. While there are not exact numbers because each state reports data differently, last year the Boston Globe reported that many accidents involving police cruisers led to serious personal or fatal injuries.
While the numbers do not necessarily represent our area, according to the Globe, in Massachusetts, state police were involved in more than 1,800 accidents over a five-year period earlier this decade. Some of the accidents were reportedly a result of “troopers driving too fast, ignoring traffic signals or violating other safety rules.”
The Globe also reported that on average, a Massachusetts police cruiser travels 22,500 miles per year, which is nearly double the mileage of a typical US driver.
Contacting an Attorney After a Car Accident
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident, it may be a good idea to speak to an attorney. If you are struck by a police car, fire truck or EMS vehicle, it may prove in your best interest to have an independent investigation conducted, to determine if the driver of the vehicle was following all safety procedures and if its lights and sirens were functioning properly.
Our firm has more than 30 years of experience working on behalf of those hurt by negligent drivers in Maryland.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Source: http://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/04/19/3-taken-to-hospital-after-crash-with-md-police-cruiser/