Albany Resident to Get $325,000 After Police Vehicle Struck His Car

The city of Albany has settled a lawsuit stemming from a 2013 crash in which a police department patrol car struck a stationary vehicle and injured the owner who was inside.

The Albany City Commission gave a nod to the settlement during a January 27, 2020 meeting after discussing the case in a closed session.

Under Georgia law, local government bodies can hold closed meetings to discuss certain matters, including pending litigation.

Plaintiff Vincent D. Jackson will receive $325,000. He filed the suit on October 19, 2015, in Dougherty County State Court.

He said he accrued significant medical bills as a result of the accident and City Attorney Nathan Davis said Jackson’s injuries were worth approximately $175,000.

Jackson was sitting inside his car in front of his 1309 N. Washington St. home when his car was struck.

The lawsuit said the officer was speeding and she lost control of her vehicle, hitting Jackson’s car in the process. The collision caused Jackson’s vehicle to travel across his yard and a wheelchair ramp. Meanwhile, the patrol car spun and clipped a utility pole before hitting the victim’s car again.

Jackson’s lawsuit didn’t specify a specific dollar amount. However, it noted that his losses included at least $168,000 in medical and other expenses. It also noted that he expected to incur other injury-related expenses after filing.

In its response to the lawsuit, the city said the officer was driving at a high rate of speed while responding to a call for help. The city had initially claimed sovereign immunity as a defense from being held liable in the case.

However, Davis said it was in the city’s best interest to settle the case since there was liability. He said if the city had taken the case to court, Jackson could have been awarded even more money.

If you suffer injuries in an Albany car crash, be sure to seek advice from an Albany auto accident attorney.

Source: https://www.albanyherald.com/news/albany-resident-injured-after-police-vehicle-struck-his-parked-car/article_180debba-484b-11ea-a812-378a4ef63068.html

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