A car accident caused by an Oakland public works employee will wind up costing the city $2 million to settle.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the city will settle the lawsuit to avoid an adverse jury verdict in the case.
The lawsuit was brought by Wanning Qian, who hurt when he was hit by a city public works vehicle and sent flying into the glass door of an art gallery. Qian was one of two pedestrians hurt when the van ran a red light at 14th Street and Franklin in September of 2012.
Qian suffered injuries to his spleen and ribs, among other things.
The other pedestrian is Linda Smith who suffered a broken leg, a collapsed lung, and rib injuries in the crash. Her lawsuit against the city is still pending.
The City of Oakland is liable for the pedestrians’ injuries because employers are generally responsible for damages caused by employees who are on the clock. Settlements in similar lawsuits are common because cities can be exposed significant financial liability for the actions of negligent employees.
The Dolan Law Firm handles traffic accident cases in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, call us at 888-452-4752.
