(Orange, CA) A Chapman Avenue collision in Orange caused by a deputy SUV driving without lights or sirens killed Gregory John Beckmann, 74, in Orange.
On Wednesday, August 28, at about 10:15 p.m., the Chapman Avenue collision occurred. According to the Orange Police Department, the incident happened at Chapman Avenue and Prospect Street.
When police investigated, they learned a deputy drove an SUV. While driving down the street, they drove with no lights or sirens on. All of a sudden, the deputy struck a pedestrian, later identified as Gregory John Beckmann. By the time Orange Fire Department personnel arrived, they pronounced Beckmann dead at the Chapman Avenue collision site. Officers found significant damage to the sheriff’s windshield. Officers closed traffic between Prospect and James Street for several hours.
Legal Opinion on the Chapman Avenue Collision
The tragic Chapman Avenue collision that killed Gregory John Beckmann raises serious legal concerns, especially because it involved a law enforcement officer. Even though deputies have certain privileges when responding to emergencies, those privileges only apply when using lights and sirens. Since the deputy did not use any of these, the same traffic safety rules apply.
Under California Vehicle Code 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. The law also requires drivers to reduce speed and exercise due care when pedestrians are nearby. If the pedestrian crossed at or near a crosswalk at night, the deputy may have violated VEH 22350. The Basic Speed Law requires drivers to operate at a safe speed for conditions, which includes adjusting for night visibility. Driving without lights at 10:15 p.m. would severely reduce visibility, raising further questions of negligence.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Gregory John Beckmann has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This claim allows close relatives to seek damages from the Chapman Avenue collision for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma. Because the incident involves a sheriff’s deputy, special rules apply. Claims against public entities in California must be filed within six months under the Government Claims Act. This short deadline makes it critical for the family to consult a wrongful death attorney immediately. An attorney can file the government claim, request the full crash investigation, and review body-worn camera or nearby surveillance footage.
If the deputy is found negligent in the Chapman Avenue collision, both the deputy and the sheriff’s department may be held liable. The family may also have grounds for punitive damages if evidence shows gross negligence, such as driving at night without headlights. Taking action quickly will not only help preserve evidence but also ensure the family meets strict deadlines for claims against a government agency. While no legal remedy can undo the loss, pursuing justice may bring accountability and provide the family with financial support as they grieve.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
