A tragic incident in Highland Park, Los Angeles, has left a community shaken after a man riding a skateboard was struck and killed by a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) vehicle. The collision occurred on Friday evening on Figueroa Street near Sycamore Grove Park, prompting a major investigation by the LAPD.
Incident Details
According to reports, the man, believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s, was riding his skateboard southbound in the median of Figueroa Street around 7 p.m. At the same time, an LAPD patrol vehicle, with its lights and sirens activated, was heading northbound in the same median, attempting to bypass traffic.
Witness Kayla described the scene as chaotic, stating, “He did hit the guy who was riding his skateboard… they were going really fast.” The impact occurred in front of a carnival taking place at Sycamore Grove Park, causing distress among the many children and parents present. The carnival was subsequently shut down early.
Investigation Underway
The LAPD has confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the collision. While the exact speed of the patrol vehicle is still under investigation, police officials stated that they do not believe the vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed. All data related to the vehicle’s operation is being reviewed.
Captain Mike Bland of the LAPD explained the department’s policy regarding emergency vehicle operation, stating, “When we do our code three driving, emergency lights and sirens, we usually pass on the left because most of our traffic is going to be pulling over to the right. So, it is common for us to pass around traffic to the left, to use center medians such as that to get around and traverse to get to that emergency.” He added, “Although our officers are exempt from rules of the road when driving code three, we still have to drive with due care and caution, but that’s all going to have to be part of this investigation to see exactly what happened.”
The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin. The two officers involved in the incident are reportedly very shaken up.
Legal and Safety Implications
This incident raises several important legal and safety considerations. While emergency vehicles are often granted exemptions from certain traffic laws to respond to emergencies, they are still required to operate with due care and caution for the safety of others. The use of a median to bypass traffic, even with lights and sirens activated, requires a high degree of vigilance and awareness of potential hazards, including pedestrians and others who may be present in the median.
Determining liability in such cases often involves a thorough investigation of the accident scene, review of police reports and witness statements, and potentially an analysis of the vehicle’s data recorder. Key factors that will be examined include the speed of the patrol vehicle, the visibility conditions at the time of the incident, and whether the officers took appropriate measures to avoid the collision.
From a personal injury perspective, the family of the deceased may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. Such a claim could seek compensation for damages such as funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship. It is crucial to understand the rights of those affected by this tragedy.
The Role of Medians and Pedestrian Safety
The incident also highlights the importance of pedestrian safety, particularly in areas with high traffic volume and pedestrian activity. Medians can provide a degree of protection for pedestrians crossing busy streets, but they also pose risks if not used safely by both pedestrians and vehicles. In this case, the skateboarder was in the median, but the circumstances leading to the collision require careful examination.
Commentary from Gosuits Los Angeles, California Personal Injury Attorney
This is a devastating situation for all involved. The loss of life is always a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased. Incidents like these underscore the complexities of emergency response driving and the critical need for ongoing training and vigilance on the part of law enforcement. Furthermore, understanding the legal framework surrounding emergency vehicle operation and pedestrian rights is crucial for ensuring accountability and seeking justice in the event of a collision. A seasoned attorney can navigate these complexities, ensuring a fair and thorough investigation into the incident.
