Facts

On Dec. 17, 2013, plaintiff Steve Saechao, a 35-year-old pit boss at Thunder Valley, was driving with his 9-month-old baby, Raiden, in the back seat. Defendant Sacramento Police Officer Greg Halstead was dropping off his four children to school on his way to work when he rear-ended plaintiff's vehicle. The impact caused plaintiff’s car to veer into the number 4 lane where it was hit by a big rig.

Plaintiff sued Halstead, in connection with a motor vehicle collision that led to the death of plaintiff's son.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Halstead was in the number 5 lane traveling approximately 65 mph. Traffic in front him slowed to a stop, but Halstead continued traveling and struck the rear of the plaintiff’s vehicle at near full speed, pushing plaintiff’s car into the number 4 lane where it was hit by a big rig.

There was some confusion at the scene as to what exactly happened. One witness believed that plaintiff hit the car in front of him before he was struck from the rear by defendant. Plaintiff told the officer he just remembered traffic slowing and next thing he knew he was being bounced around everywhere.

Once the baby was removed from the car, aid was rendered by a retired paramedic and a nurse. Plaintiff's son had been properly secured in a car seat in the back seat. He was a perfectly healthy 9-month-old baby. Testimony from witnesses described plaintiff as being in shock and on his knees, calling his son’s name and praying. An officer at the scene told plaintiff that a reliable witness placed him at fault, which further added to plaintiff’s distress and horror since he couldn’t understand what he did wrong but started blaming himself for causing the collision.

Halstead told everyone at the scene that he was not hurt, declined all medical attention, and said he didn’t know what happened. He was not on his cell phone at the time of the wreck but did call an attorney from the scene who met him at Sutter Roseville where his children were being treated. The attorney initially prevented her client from speaking to the investigating CHP officer. The CHP officer asked Halstead what happened. Halstead said he did not know what happened and inquired as to what others were saying. When pressed about how he could not know what happened even though he wasn’t hurt, and is a trained officer, Halstead did not respond.

The CHP assigned the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team and its Special Investigations Unit to the case. Downloads from an Event Data Recorder revealed an impact speed of 63 mph, essentially no brakes were applied. It also showed Halstead making a slight turn to right immediately before impact. The Event Data Recorder data matched the physical evidence. The CHP recommended felony charges be brought by the Placer County District Attorney for vehicular manslaughter. The DA declined to file any charges prompting the civil suit. During the majority of case, the city denied Halstead was in the course and scope of his employment, but eventually changed course and admitted Halstead was in the course and scope.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Halstead disputed plaintiff's version of the incident.

Result

The City of Sacramento reached a $9.75 million settlement with the family.