EspañolMotorcycle Officer Lost Control Before Crashing Into Crowd At Festival of Lights Parade In Palm Springs
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA (December 8, 2024) – At least 10 people were injured in a Palm Springs motorcycle accident during the Festival of Lights Parade on Palm Canyon Drive.
Riverside County officials are saying that the incident took place around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. A motorcycle officer allegedly lost control of his vehicle while popping a wheelie and careening into the crowd.
One witness told the LA Times the officer was traveling at a speed that didn’t seem safe even prior to the collision. There was also no barrier protecting the crowd.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. One of the victims was a young boy who appeared to be passing out. Multiple people required an ambulance and hospitalization.
A full investigation into the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Riverside County Police Accidents
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Motor vehicle crashes are preventable but continue to be a leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in an average of 36,791 deaths each year (101 deaths each day) during 2015–2019.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a motorcycle accident.
- Speeding: Drivers are much more likely to lose control of their vehicle at higher rates of speed. This is particularly true for motorcycles, which are more unstable than four-wheeled vehicles.
- Poor Road Conditions: Hazards in and around a roadway can leave drivers and pedestrians vulnerable. For example, a pothole could cause a bicyclist or motorcyclist to lose control.
- Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, and other adverse weather conditions can all make it more likely that a driver will lose control.
- Distracted Driving: A large portion of car accidents involve drivers that are distracted by their phones or other devices.
Drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person may operate their vehicle at a speed greater than what would be reasonable and prudent given the weather and prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a driver operated their vehicle with a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others, they could also be charged with a reckless driving offense.
Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could be held liable for the negligent actions of their officers. In general, private and municipal entities are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were operating within the course and scope of their job duties. If a police officer was in uniform and performing some official action, this will typically fall within the purview of their job duties. It is crucial that certain steps are taken after any car accident.
- A police report of the incident should be created.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- An experienced car accident lawyer should be contacted.
Many of the injuries associated with car accidents are not immediately obvious. They can worsen over time, especially when victims sustain brain injuries and other serious trauma. Even if a victim of a car accident physically heals over time, a high proportion of accident victims suffer long-term psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Any person injured in a car accident with a police officer may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A car accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Palm Springs Motorcycle Accidents
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people injured at the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade. It is our sincere hope that all of the victims are able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. There needs to be some accountability for all of the victims.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Palm Springs motorcycle accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
