Josefa Blandon Died In Merced Car Accident After Being Run Over By On-Duty Police Officer Near G Street and 15th Street
MERCED, CALIFORNIA (April 11, 2022) – A grandmother identified as Josefa Blandon has tragically died in a car accident after she was run over by a Merced police officer near the intersection of G Street and 15th Street.
Merced County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 10:00 p.m. on Thursday. Josefa Blandon was crossing the street when she was hit by a car.
The victim was then run over by a Merced police vehicle following the collision. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Emergency medical responders began life-saving measures, but Josefa Blandon died at the scene. The Merced police officer that ran over the pedestrian has been placed on paid administrative leave.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time. A nearby store clerk said that there are a lot of accidents at the intersection and not enough lighting.
Liability In Merced Police Vehicle Collisions
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured in police vehicles every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 137,000 pedestrians are treated in emergency departments every year following car accidents. Another 6,000 pedestrians are killed. Elderly pedestrians and young children tend to be at the greatest risk of being involved in a collision. Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to police vehicles for a number of reasons.
- Police officers often speed as they respond to emergencies.
- Police officers can be distracted by their onboard computers.
- Police officers often drive large SUVs that can be more dangerous to pedestrians.
Depending on the specific facts of any case, a police department could potentially be liable if their officer hit a pedestrian. Generally speaking, police departments have a great deal of immunity for accidents while officers are responding to an emergency call. When officers are not responding to an emergency call, they must exercise due care and take measures to avoid pedestrians. If an officer runs over a pedestrian in the middle of a roadway, they could be held at fault for the crash.
A city could potentially be liable for an accident if it was caused by a dangerous condition in a roadway. According to California Government Code 835, a public entity could be liable for a dangerous condition on their property when they have actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition. A road could be in a dangerous condition if it lacks adequate traffic signs to regulate the flow of vehicles. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any accident with a police vehicle.
- The officer’s dashcam footage should be sought.
- The purpose of their drive should be understood.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any pedestrian that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, police departments will often fight hard to deny any responsibility for a crash involving their officer. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A California Police Vehicle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Josefa Blandon who died in this crash. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken in order to prevent additional collisions on this road. City officials should look into installing more lights so that pedestrians are more visible to drivers.
Do you need more information about a Merced police car accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims and their families are aware of their rights and that police departments are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
