Teenager Killed in Car Crash Involving CHP Officer
An investigation is being conducted to determine if distracted driving may have been a factor in a tragic auto accident involving a CHP officer. The officer’s cruiser struck the rear of a car carrying a 15-year old from Willows, California. The boy died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the crash.
What Happened?
Forty-nine-year old, Jim Gamble, an officer for the California Highway Patrol, was driving his police vehicle north on Interstate 5. It was about 3:30 p.m. when he approached a construction zone. He was south of the over-crossing of County Road 20 in Orland, California. As traffic slowed for the construction zone the officer became distracted and crashed into vehicles in front of him.
CHP Officer May Have Been Driving Distracted
The CHP indicated that the officer’s attention was off the road briefly while possibly looking down at his computer. When he looked up again traffic was slowing. He applied his brakes but not in time to avoid a collision. He rear-ended the car in front of him, which then collided with two other cars that were stopped.
Officer Gamble struck a 2013 Hyundai. The driver of the Hyundai was a 17-year-old girl. Her brother, Weston Sites, 15, was a passenger in the back seat. The 14-year-old sister of the driver was also an occupant in the car.
One Killed, Two Suffered Minor Injuries
Sadly, Weston Sites, 15, lost his life in this tragic accident. He was pronounced dead at the accident scene. The two sisters survived the crash. They were treated and released from a hospital with minor injuries.
Northbound Interstate 5 was closed for six hours while authorities cleared the wreckage and investigated the scene.
Will the CHP Officer be Charged with a Crime?
If the investigation determines Officer Gamble did something negligent, the case will be sent over to the Glenn County District Attorney’s office. They will make the decision as to whether or not charges will be filed.
It is crucial to have an experienced auto accident attorney performing a separate and independent investigation into the events leading up to the crash. An experienced lawyer can help victims and their families recover compensation for their personal injuries and wrongful deaths. It is important to remember that claims being filed against government entities have to file within approximately 6 months from the date of the accident. Call an experienced personal injury attorney if you have any questions about the filing deadline.
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