Anaheim, CA (March 16, 2026) – Two officers were hurt on Saturday, March 14, after a crash involving a wrong-way driver near Gene Autry Way and the northbound Interstate 5 Freeway in Anaheim.
Authorities said the incident began shortly after 2 a.m. when dispatchers received reports of a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on the eastbound 91 Freeway.
At about 2:24 a.m., a patrol vehicle encountered the driver, and the two vehicles crashed near Gene Autry Way along the northbound I-5 corridor.
Emergency units responded to the scene and evaluated those involved. Officials said the two officers suffered mild injuries and were treated at the location.
The driver of the other vehicle was taken to a nearby hospital. Officials have not released details about that person’s condition.
Video from the area showed beer cans on top of the car involved in the crash. Investigators are reviewing whether alcohol may have played a role in the incident. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
Our thoughts are with those injured as they recover.
Can On-Duty Police Officers Receive Compensation After a Crash in Anaheim?
Yes, a police officer can claim compensation after a crash in California, but the type of compensation available usually depends on the circumstances of the accident and whether it occurred while the officer was performing job duties. In many cases, injured officers rely on workers’ compensation benefits first, though additional legal options may exist if another driver caused the crash.
Under California law, police officers are considered public safety employees, and they are generally covered by the state’s workers’ compensation system if they are injured while working.
This means that if an officer is hurt in a car crash while on duty, such as during patrol, emergency response, or another job-related activity, they may be eligible for benefits that cover medical treatment, disability payments, and other costs related to the injury.
In addition to workers’ compensation, a police officer may sometimes pursue a separate personal injury claim if another party was responsible for the crash. For example, if a civilian driver caused the accident through negligence, the officer may have the right to file a third-party claim seeking damages that workers’ compensation does not cover, such as pain and suffering or certain financial losses.
However, workers’ compensation systems and government employers may have rules about reimbursement or liens on those settlements, which can affect how compensation is distributed.
It is also important to note that not every injury automatically qualifies for benefits. Officers must usually report the injury to their employer and follow the proper claim procedures, and each claim is reviewed to determine whether the injury is work-related and eligible for compensation under California law.
Because these cases can involve both employment law and personal injury law, officers injured in vehicle crashes often consult legal professionals to better understand their rights and the types of compensation that may be available.
A car accident lawyer can review the police report to identify details that may support an injury claim. A lawyer can also gather additional records, communicate with insurers, and explain the next steps after a crash.
Our team at Saleh Law Group has years of experience reviewing personal injury cases after all sorts of collisions in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, contact us at (949) 431-6371 today.
