Two Hopkins Police Officers Sustain Injuries When They Were Rear-ended During a Traffic Stop on March 28, 2011

There’s no question being a police officer is a dangerous job. The number one cause of serious injuries to police officers isn’t being shot in the line of duty – it’s being injured in an in-the-line-of-duty auto accident.

According to Kare11, two Hopkins police officers sustained minor injuries on Monday morning, March 28, 2011, when their squad car was rear-ended by a Toyota pickup during a traffic stop.

The officers were on a stop in the area of Excelsior Boulevard and Ashley Road. The driver of the Toyota was driving on a revoked license. The Toyota’s windshield was also partially frosted over, obstructing the driver’s view of the stopped squad car, despite the fact that the squad car’s emergency lights were on at the time. Police estimate that the damage to the squad car exceeds $6,000.00.

Police officers who sustain injuries as a result of an on-duty auto collision may be entitled to a variety of benefits. First, these types of injuries are covered by Minnesota workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits include medical expenses, wage loss benefits, rehabilitation benefits, and permanent partial disability benefits.

In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, Minnesota police officers who sustain injuries as a result of a motor vehicle collision caused by someone else’s negligence or fault may also be able to bring a civil liability personal injury claim against the at-fault party for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If a Minnesota police officer sustains career-ending injuries, he or she may also be entitled to Public Employees Retirement Association duty disability benefits and continuation of healthcare under Minn. Stat. 299A.465.

Police officers should be especially particular in choosing a workers’ compensation, personal injury, or PERA lawyer. Make sure your lawyer understands all the benefits available to you. Meuser & Associate has represented dozens of police officers throughout the state of Minnesota for workers’ compensation claims, personal injury claims, and PERA claims. Make sure you don’t miss out on benefits you’re entitled to. For a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our workers’ compensation lawyers, call us at 877-746-5680 or click here to send us an email.

Visit us at MeuserLaw.com!