File #: SC-1718-8    Version: 1 Name: Special Claim from Verenice Sanchez
Type: Special Claim Status: Passed
File created: 9/14/2017 In control: City Council
On agenda: 9/26/2017 Final action: 9/26/2017
Title: SPECIAL CLAIM SC-1718-8: SUBMITTED BY VERENICE SANCHEZ IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,293.50 FOR DAMAGES TO HER VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT WITH A POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF WEST MAIN STREET AND 26TH DRIVE.
Attachments: 1. Text File Claim Sanchez, 2. City Clerk Memo, 3. Tort Claim, 4. Damage Estimate, 5. Police Report Dedacted

Title

SPECIAL CLAIM SC-1718-8:  SUBMITTED BY VERENICE SANCHEZ IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,293.50 FOR DAMAGES TO HER VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT WITH A POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF WEST MAIN STREET AND 26TH DRIVE.

 

Body

BACKGROUND:  A claim was filed by Verenice Sanchez in the amount of $2,293.50 for damage her vehicle received on July 7, 2017, when it was struck from behind by a City Police Department vehicle at the intersection of West Main Street and 26th Drive Southwest.

 

DISCUSSION:  This incident was investigated by Keith Humphrey, Chief of Police and it was found that on July 7, 2017, Ms. Sanchez’ vehicle was stopped for a red traffic light on 26th Drive Southwest at West Main Street.  Also at this intersection and stopped behind Ms. Sanchez was a City police officer driving a police vehicle.  When the traffic light turned green, the officer began driving forward; however, Ms. Sanchez had not yet begun to move forward and the officer struck the rear portion of Ms. Sanchez’ vehicle.  This caused damage to the rear body panel, trunk lid, rear lamps and bumper of her 2001 Honda Civic.

 

Subsequently, the collision was classified as preventable and disciplinary action related to the accident has been completed.

 

Ms. Sanchez submitted three (3) preliminary estimates for the repair of her vehicle and the lowest estimate is $2,293.50.  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.  The amount of Ms. Sanchez’ claim, $2,293.50, appears reasonable.

 

RECOMMENDATION:  Based upon the above and foregoing, it is the recommendation of the City Attorney’s office that the claim of Verenice Sanchez in the amount of $2,293.50 as set forth above be approved.