Robert Thompson Hospitalized After Being Dragged By LAPD Patrol Vehicle In Hollywood, Los Angeles Along Sunset Boulevard

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (October 15, 2023) – A man identified as Robert Thompson was seriously injured after he was unintentionally dragged several feet by an LAPD patrol vehicle in Hollywood.

Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:40 a.m. on September 11. LAPD officers received reports of an incident at a bar.

Robert Thompson was asked to leave the bar and was escorted out by security. Police officers made contact with the man and they asked him to leave as well.

Surveillance footage of the incident shows Robert Thompson walking alongside the patrol vehicle before becoming caught and dragged several feet.

The LAPD officers realized they hit someone and got out of their patrol car to help the victim. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help him.

Robert Thompson was taken to the hospital in order to be treated for a fractured skull, brain bleed, a broken jaw and numerous abrasions.

A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.

 

Liability For Hollywood Police Car Accidents

Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards posed by motor vehicles. According to the New York Times, “From 2010 to 2021, pedestrian deaths increased from 4,302 to 7,624, a 77 percent rise, according to the federal data. In the same period, other types of traffic fatalities increased by 25 percent.” Police vehicles can be particularly dangerous to pedestrians for a number of reasons.

• Police officers may be distracted by their onboard computers.
• Police officers typically work at odd hours when pedestrians are less visible.
• Police officers often respond to emergencies and may need to speed or break other traffic laws.

Police officials must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the road in any marked or unmarked crosswalk. Drivers should be particularly cautious when there is a pedestrian right next to their vehicle. There is simply no reason that any driver should hit a pedestrian beside them.

Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could be liable for an accident involving one of their officers. Generally speaking, employers are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, an officer may have been responding to a service call. It is important that evidence is preserved after any pedestrian collision.

• Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
• Dash-cam footage from any vehicle involved should be sought.
• Surveillance footage should be examined.
• Medical records related to the crash should be preserved.

Victims of pedestrian accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries. This is true even if a person is able to heal physically from a collision. According to APA PsycNet, “Individuals who experience a serious motor vehicle accident (MVA) are at increased risk for psychological problems, particularly Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).” Any person that is injured in a car accident with a police vehicle may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

 

Getting Help After A Hollywood Police Car Accident

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our best wishes to Robert Thompson as he continues to recover. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable collision that should not have taken place. The LAPD should do their part and accept responsibility for what happened.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident with an LAPD patrol vehicle? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys focus entirely on helping people who have been harmed due to the neglect or abuse of law enforcement. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.