A former Atlanta police officer was sentenced Friday for crimes relating to an accident in which she ran a red light and collided with another vehicle. The accident occurred in February 2018, when the officer ran the red light at the intersection of Ralph David Abernathy Blvd and Peeples St while responding to a call, and struck the vehicle as it was proceeding through the intersection on a green light. The victim noted that the officer was not using sirens or flashing lights aimed toward the front of the vehicle that would have warned her that an emergency vehicle was approaching the intersection. It was previously reported that the officer had her light bar set to only strobe blue lights toward the rear of the vehicle.
The victim lost her left arm as a result of the accident and spoke after the sentencing hearing about the impacts she has faced from the injury, including the inability to work in her chosen career field or to earn in the same capacity as she did before the accident. She had dreamed of becoming a safety engineer and had a passion for creating art. With a $90,000 prosthetic arm and the promise of lifelong medical needs as a result of the amputation, she worries about making ends meet. She has obtained a settlement from the city for $500,000.
The former officer avoided jail time in the criminal case by entering a plea agreement in which she will serve ten years probation and will be unable to work as an officer again for at least five years. In addition, the former officer must volunteer at least 100 hours a year with support groups that assist amputees and must pay up to $200 a month in restitution for her victim.
If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness, let the experienced accident attorneys at Cambre & Associates, LLC help you understand the legal process of obtaining compensation for the expenses and impacts of your injury. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
