Derrick Flanders, of Rancho Palos Verdes, (Full Name: Derrick Deon Flanders) Died In Sunset Beach Car Accident With Huntington Beach Police Officer Near North Pacific Avenue and Broadway
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA (August 30, 2022) – A pedestrian identified as Derrick Flanders has died in a Huntington Beach police vehicle accident by North Pacific Avenue and Broadway.
Orange County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 27 in Sunset Beach. Derrick Deon Flanders was walking when he was hit by a police SUV.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Derrick Flanders was taken to the UCI Medical Center with serious injuries.
Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities say that the 22-year-old officer involved in the crash was responding to a service call at the time of the collision.
It remains unclear if the Huntington Beach officer had their lights and sirens at the time of the crash. A full investigation into the death of Derrick Flanders remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Huntington Beach Police Car Accidents
Accidents involving emergency vehicles like police cars are far more common than many people realize. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2020, 180 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles. The majority of these deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles (56%). Deaths among pedestrians accounted for another 25%, while emergency vehicle drivers represented 11% and emergency vehicle passengers accounted for about 5% of the deaths.” There are a number of factors that make emergency vehicles particularly dangerous for pedestrians.
- Emergency drivers need to work at all times of the day and night when pedestrians may be less visible.
- Emergency drivers are allowed to speed and break all sorts of traffic laws.
- Emergency vehicles often have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of pedestrians.
Determining liability for any accident involving a police vehicle can be difficult. Generally speaking, authorized emergency vehicles are afforded a great deal of immunity from civil suits when they are involved in accidents under California Vehicle code 21055. However, the driver of the emergency vehicle must have been responding to an actual emergency. They must also have their lights and sirens on during their trip. If an authorized emergency driver failed to turn on their lights and sirens and hit a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
When a police officer or other emergency driver is not responding to an emergency, they are held to the same standard as every other driver. They must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing in a lawfully marked crosswalk. If a police officer fails to reduce their speed and hits a pedestrian, this could also form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any accident with a police officer.
- The dashcam footage of the accident should be reviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- It should be determined if the officer was responding to an emergency.
- A full investigation should be conducted.
When a police officer is negligent and kills a pedestrian, the department that they work for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, police departments are liable for the wrongful actions of their officers. The family of any pedestrian killed in such a collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. Unfortunately, police departments will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision involving their officer.
Investigating A Huntington Beach Police Vehicle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Derrick Flanders. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that measures will be put in place to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Huntington Beach police vehicle accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the information and support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
