A state trooper was involved in a serious collision on Sept. 26, causing her to be rushed to the hospital. The Colorado State Patrol vehicle was badly damaged in the crash, which has not yet been explained to police satisfaction. Though no charges have been filed, as with most car accidents of this type, the investigation will continue.
According to the police report, the accident took place around 3 p.m. just off Colorado 119 near Boulder. Police say there were two vehicles involved, but did not provide specific details of the car accident. Photos provided in the report indicate the officer’s squad car was struck from behind with enough force to nearly tear off the trunk of the vehicle.
The trooper driving the car was rushed to a local hospital with injuries described as possibly serious. The condition of the other driver or drivers and any potential passengers involved in the crash is unknown at this time, and police say they are unsure whether intoxication or speed played a role in the crash. The crash is being jointly investigated by the State Patrol and the Boulder Police Department.
Car accidents of this severity are often caused by human error or even criminal activity. Law enforcement authorities will continue to investigate this crash until they are clear about what the cause actually was, whereupon it is possible they will choose to file criminal charges against one or more individuals involved. The trooper is likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that will help with her medical bills and any time she needs to take off work while recovering. If the evidence suggests the other driver was at fault, the trooper may also be entitled to pursue a third party personal injury claim against that individual; conversely, if the trooper was at fault, the other driver could file a personal injury claim against the trooper and her employer in a Colorado civil court.
Source: dailycamera.com, “Colorado state trooper injured in 2-vehicle crash on Colo. 119 in Gunbarrel“, John Bear, Sept. 26, 2017