In Lynn, Massachusetts, a car accident on July 12 left a police officer severely injured and out of work. The State Police accident report states that high speeds, running a red light, and not wearing a seat belt all appear to be factors in the car crash.
The auto accident occurred at the intersection of Western Avenue and Chestnut Street, where a police cruiser driven by officer Gregory LeBlanc collided with another vehicle driven by Lt. Christopher Reddy. According to the report, Reddy was driving westbound on Chestnut Street, when slowed his vehicle as he drove through a green light and “T-boned” the cruiser driven by LeBlanc.
Massachusetts state law exempts on-duty police officers from wearing seat belts, so neither one was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Reddy sustained minor injuries and returned to work within a few days. LeBlanc had to be extricated from his cruiser and transported to a Boston hospital by helicopter. According to his wife, LeBlanc suffered a shattered pelvis and received three surgeries in two weeks.
As of late last year, LeBlanc’s medical bills had topped $410,000 and the city of Lynn will likely be expected pay half once LeBlanc’s insurance coverage kicks in.
Report: Lynn cruiser crash due to lax safety measures, ItemLive.com, February 10, 2009
Contact our Massachusetts car crash lawyers if you or a family member have been injured or killed on the road.