Suspected DUI accident results in tragic loss of an LAPD motorcycle officer
The city of Los Angeles got a sobering reminder of the dangers that impaired drivers pose to the public on Saturday April 5, when Officer Chris Cortijo of the LAPD was gravely injured by an SUV while on his motorcycle. Cortijo struggled on in the hospital for 5 days before passing away on April 9.
The SUV was driven by Qaneak Shaney Cobb, who allegedly had cocaine inside her vehicle and was under the influence of this drug at the time of the accident. When Cobb failed to stop at a red light, her SUV plowed into Cortijo’s motorcycle from behind, pinning him between the SUV and a sedan stopped in front of him.
The loss of this officer was especially saddening considering that he’d dedicated his professional life to helping to prevent just this sort of accident. In the course of his 26 years on the force, Officer Cortijo had arrested over 3,000 drivers suspected of DUI. Taking these drivers off the road no doubt helped to save countless lives, according to Police Chief Charlie Beck.
Though it is a small consolation when faced with the loss of a loved one, Cortijo’s family may now have the option of pursuing a wrongful death claim against the driver that caused his motorcycle accident. The case certainly does seem to meet the basic requirements of a valid motorcycle accident claim:
- Proof of Liability. In any kind of traffic accident case, it is necessary to prove who caused the accident and whether their actions were reckless or negligent. Although Cobb pled not guilty to charges of possession and DUI on April 8, regardless of whether or not she was under the influence, she certainly displayed reckless or negligent driving in failing to stop at the red light in time to avoid hitting Cortijo.
- Proof of Damages. In order to seek compensation in a car, bus, or motorcycle accident case, it is necessary to quantify the damages that the victim and/or their family suffered. Damages can include hard and fast amounts such as current medical bills as well as more subjective amounts such as pain and suffering. In this case, Cortijo’s family would probably have a case for seeking compensation for his medical bills as well as for lost income, lost companionship, and pain and suffering.
Need Help with a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
If you or a loved one has been in a traffic accident that was caused by the carelessness of another party, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn today to learn more about your rights and options.
