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In lawsuit, man accuses police of causing accident, Neb.

March 30, 2001, Friday Sunrise Edition
Copyright 2001 The Omaha World-Herald Company
Omaha World-Herald
March 30, 2001, Friday Sunrise Edition

(OMAHA, Neb.) - Joseph Benak was driving his 1989 Mazda pickup truck Dec. 3, 1999, through the intersection of 42nd and Grover Streets when another vehicle ran a red light and struck his truck.

Benak is now suing the City of Omaha for thousands of dollars, alleging the other vehicle ran the red light because the driver was being pursued by police cruisers and saying the city should be held liable.

The lawsuit, which was filed this week in Douglas County District Court, asks for medical expenses, the cost of Benak’s truck and other damages for pain and suffering.

In the accident, Benak suffered injuries to his back, neck and head, according to the lawsuit.

City Attorney Paul Kratz said that police already had stopped pursuing the vehicle that struck Benak before the accident happened and that the city is not responsible.