Sherriff Car Accident Victim to Get $250,000 for Damages

June 17, 2009

Orange County - Edward Kennedy of Laguna Niguel will be paid $250,000 by the county after he was injured in a car accident by the sheriff’s deputy.

The deputy, Miguel Sotelo, was on his way to join a police pursuit with the sirens and lights on when he drove through an intersection and a red light and hit Kennedy’s car.

According to Kennedy’s lawyer, Steven Kuhn, his client was hit on the driver’s side and the impact broke his clavicle and injured his shoulder. Kennedy had to undergo surgery as a result. Their complaints alleged that his client was driving on a curve and didn’t hear the sirens or see the lights and that Sotelo didn’t slow down.

The Sheriff’s spokesman, John McDonald said that the deputy was legitimately engaged in department business and was on his way to support a pursuit but that the crash was a “tragic accident”.

The county however, has agreed to pay Kennedy $250,000 saying that, “We try to face up to the consequences of our actions.” The Orange County supervisors have announced that a settlement has been reached following a closed session meeting.

According to Atty. Kuhn, his client has signed the final paperwork and has sent it to the county.