Every car accident creates a risk of serious or even fatal injuries. When there is an accident between two passenger vehicles, the occupants of the vehicles at least have the advantage of the safety of the passenger cabin to protect them. Seatbelts, crumple zones, and airbags all help to mitigate the injuries. But when a pedestrian is struck in a crash, they have none of these safety devices to protect them.

For one pedestrian couple, the simple act of crossing the street resulted in tragic consequences. The couple was stuck by a police car. The husband died as a result of his injuries and the wife suffered a brain injury and broken bones. The family of the couple is now seeking damages from the city. They are also questioning why the city has not disclosed the result of its investigation into the accident.

Beyond not receiving the results of the city's investigation the family is also concerned that they have not even been given a reason why the city is refusing to disclose the report. Instead the city attorney has simply given a brief outline of the factors they believe indicate the officer driving the patrol car was not at fault.

A local news report on the incident notes that there is a $100,000 cap on the damages that can be assessed against an Alabama municipality. This is true despite the fact that the wife's medical bills already exceed $1 million. But if for no other reason the family has decided to file a claim to ensure that any potential action not time barred by the expiration of the statute of limitations.

Source: Channel 10 News, "Accident victim files claim against Mobile," Bob Grip, Jan. 19, 2012