No one is immune to being involved in a car accident in Pittsburgh, including first responders and people whose job it is to help those who have been in a crash. When a person is in a car accident with a law enforcement officer, there might be a belief that it is the civilian’s responsibility. However, even law enforcement officers make mistakes behind the wheel. The investigation into the accident is key if there are injuries and it is particularly important for a person who was hurt in an accident with a police vehicle.
According to a recent report, a 29-year-old police officer rear-ended another vehicle while on-duty in his patrol car. After the accident, it was discovered that the officer was driving while his driver’s license was expired. The female driver of the vehicle he rear-ended was taken to the hospital for treatment. She had pain in the back and neck. The officer found himself facing charges related to having the accident without a valid driver’s license. It was not initially noted that he was on-duty at the time of the accident, but once the charges were filed, it was clarified that he was. The officer has been on the job for more than three years.
People who are injured in a car crash – especially a rear-end car crash – must be cognizant of the possibility that they might have injuries that are not immediately evident. With back and neck injuries, the aftereffects might not seem serious at first, but as time passes they become worse until there are medical bills, lost wages and long-term problems. Because the back and neck are so key to daily functioning, it is imperative to have help from the start.
As this recent accident case moves forward, the victim will need to make sure that she is taking the same steps that all victims must when they have been injured in a car accident.