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SPECIAL CLAIM NO. SC-1213-8: SUBMITTED BY CHEONG ONG ON BEHALF OF HIS SON, JOHNSON ONG, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,698.07 FOR DAMAGES TO HIS VEHICLE DUE TO AN ACCIDENT WITH AN ENGINEERING DIVISION VEHICLE IN THE 1800 BLOCK OF WEST LINDSEY STREET.
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BACKGROUND: A claim has been filed by Cheong Ong for damages to his vehicle in the amount of $1,698.07 due to an incident which occurred on August 13, 2012 when Mr. Ong's son was driving his vehicle and slowed for traffic, a City of Norman vehicle, driven by an employee of the Engineering Division of Public Works, struck the rear of Mr. Ong's vehicle. The accident occurred in the 1800 block of West Lindsey Street.
DISCUSSION: This incident was investigated by Scott Sturtz, City Engineer. According to his investigation, both drivers were traveling eastbound in the 1800 block of West Lindsey Street. When the Ong vehicle slowed for traffic, the City vehicle struck him from behind because the City driver was unable to stop in time.
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 $1,698.07 claimed by Mr. Ong for repairs to his vehicle appears to be reasonable.
RECOMMENDATION: Based upon the above and foregoing, it is the recommendation of the City Attorney's Office that the claim of Cheong Ong in the amount of $1,698.07, as above set forth, be approved.