Palermo Collision Injures Three
Shortly before 10:00 p.m. on the evening of Sunday, June 6, 2021, an officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and two others suffered injuries in a crash that occurred in Palermo, California. Palermo is approximately six miles outside of Oroville. The crash location was in the vicinity of Lone Tree Road and Palermo Road.
Details of the Incident
According to the CHP, a 21-year-old from Rough and Ready was at the wheel of a silver Kia Rio that was traveling south on Lone Tree Road. The Kia also contained one passenger, a 22-year-old Palermo man. The Highway Patrol officer was traveling west on Palermo road and was attempting to stop the driver of the Kia for suspected driving under the influence (DUI).
When both vehicles reached the intersection, the Kia traveled into the path of the approaching CHP vehicle and collided with its right side, causing the patrol vehicle to overturn several times. The CHP vehicle continued on to roll down an embankment before coming to a stop in a field. After the initial impact, the Kia spun and came to rest west of Lone Tree Road, on the shoulder of Palermo Road.
Events Following the Impact
The Highway Patrol officer was able to exit the vehicle through a broken window. He then tried to help the two occupants of the Kia exit their vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Palermo Station and Cal Fire-Butte County personnel arrived at the scene and assisted with the extrication.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
Both occupants of the Kia suffered major injuries. They were both transported to Enloe Medical Center – one by helicopter, the other via ambulance. The Highway Patrol officer was transported by other CHP officers to Oroville Hospital. He was evaluated and treated for moderate injuries, then released.
Currently, there is no information regarding potential criminal charges. A CHP statement revealed that alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the incident. The crash is still under investigation.
Car Accidents Involving Police
Highway patrol and police vehicles are loaded with technology, including scanners, GPS devices, and laptop computers. Because peace officers are required to keep in constant contact with dispatchers, the potential for distraction is high. Given the information currently available with regard to this Palermo crash, it is not possible to determine who caused this collision, but police are certainly not immune to negligent actions. If a car accident is caused by careless or negligent behavior by a police officer, the driver (and employer) can be found liable for damages and injuries just like any other motorist.
Determining Fault in a Crash Involving a Police Vehicle
Determining liability in a crash with a highway patrol or police vehicle can be very complex. This is because police departments and other government officials have the benefit of extensive legal teams, as well as professional relationships with judges and other government officials. They will also likely have the support of their fellow officers. The idea of a private citizen going up against the police in a fight for liability can be daunting. Dash cameras and other types of recording devices can help an innocent motorist prove a case of liability.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below reviews the best dash cams available in 2021.
Oroville Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello, and thanks for reading our report on this Palermo crash. My name is Ed Smith, and I am an Oroville personal injury attorney. Serious accidents occur every day on our Northern California freeways, streets, and highways. When a person is injured as a result of another motorist’s negligence, skilled legal representation can maximize financial recovery. If you would like free and friendly advice about your case and how you can best protect your legal rights, call to speak with an injury lawyer at (530) 392-9400. From outside the local area, use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
For additional information about our law firm, please visit the below links:
Photo: Pixabay
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