A crash in North Philadelphia left an off-duty police officer with injuries. News reports indicate the collision happened just before 2:20 a.m. at the intersection of 18th and Diamond streets. Police reported the following morning that the officer was likely hit by a vehicle that was fleeing a shooting that had happened nearby.
Reports indicate that gunfire erupted at a large gathering on the 2200 block of Edgely Street. Three people were struck by gunfire. Police believe that a vehicle fleeing the scene ran a red light and struck the off-duty officer. The driver of the vehicle then fled the scene on foot. The vehicle had a shattered windshield, likely from gunfire striking it. The police officer was hospitalized, though no update on the officer’s condition was initially released.
Accidents in Emergencies
This type of accident creates an interesting situation in which the officer’s injuries are the fault of the driver who struck them, but the driver was fleeing from another crime. In a case like this, an investigation will determine who is at fault. However, this driver violated the law by fleeing the scene of the accident, which in itself is a serious criminal charge. The police officer’s injuries may be the responsibility of the driver who struck him, no matter the circumstances that caused the accident to occur.
For anyone who is a victim of a car accident, it is critical to know what their rights are. By hiring an attorney who is working solely for you, you will learn your rights. Kwartler Manus, LLC, is always available to help.