When people think of the dangers facing law enforcement officers, they likely start with risks associated with pursuing dangerous criminals. However, many officers spend a great deal of time driving which can also be a risk. In fact, a sheriff’s deputy in California recently suffered major injuries in a car accident and may qualify for workers’ compensation insurance benefits.
The accident that led to his hospitalization reportedly happened just after 8 p.m. on a day in early November. According to reports, the 30-year-old officer was headed west when he struck a deer in the roadway. As a result, he lost control of the vehicle he was driving, causing him to strike an eastbound vehicle head on.
The deputy’s vehicle came to a rest, upside down in a ravine. He reportedly suffered major injuries. A man in the eastbound vehicle, which caught fire, died as a result of his injuries while a female and toddler were injured.
Unfortunately, even the safest drivers cannot always avoid a collision with wildlife that enters the roadway unexpectedly. Accidents such as this one can have devastating consequences for all involved. If the accident occurred while the California sheriff’s deputy was completing work-related responsibilities, he may qualify for workers’ compensation insurance benefits which could help him cope with the financial burdens associated with his injuries. Because he may not feel able to face this process on his own while he recovers, he could choose to ask an attorney with experience with such cases to guide him.