Title
SPECIAL CLAIM SC-1920-15: SUBMITTED BY KATELYNN O’NEAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,850.88 FOR VEHICLE DAMAGE AND TOWING EXPENSES THAT OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF A COLLISION WITH A CITY SANITATION TRUCK AT THE INTERSECTION OF CLASSEN BOULEVARD AND EAST BOYD STREET.
Body
BACKGROUND: A claim was filed by Katelynn O’Neal in the amount of $4,850.88 for damage and tow expenses incurred when her vehicle was struck by a City Sanitation truck on May 12, 2020, at the intersection of Classen Boulevard and East Boyd Street.
DISCUSSION: This incident was investigated by Stan West, Utilities Supervisor. On May 12, 2020, a City employee was driving a Sanitation truck westbound on East Boyd Street. As the employee continued through the intersection of Classen Boulevard, he began to turn right from the inside lane. The employee consequently struck Ms. O’Neal’s vehicle traveling next to him in the outside lane.
Ms. O’Neal submitted towing expenses in the amount of $144.75 and three (3) estimates to repair damage to the left side of her 2009 Ford Escape, with the lowest estimate being $4,706.13. The average value of her vehicle is $5,084.00, making reimbursement of Ms. O’Neal’s claim feasible.
As indicated above, there appears to be possible negligence on the part of the City in this matter and consequently potential liability on the City. Ms. Stewart’s claim, in the total amount of $4,850.88, appears reasonable.
RECOMMENDATION: Based upon the above and foregoing, it is the recommendation of the City Attorney’s office that the claim of Katelynn O’Neal, in the total amount of $4,850.88 as set forth above, be approved.