80 MPH LAPD Crash Leaves Elderly Brothers Critically Injured – LA City Says ‘Not Our Fault’

Two elderly brothers are suing Los Angeles after an LAPD officer crashed into their car at double the speed limit, leaving one in a coma and both with life-altering injuries. Despite clear evidence, the city denies any fault.

Officer Crashes at 80 MPH Without Sirens, Hospitalizes Elderly Brothers

On June 4, 2024, LAPD officer Jason Stevenson collided with a vehicle carrying Stephen Paper (76) and Richard Paper (74) at the intersection of Balboa Boulevard and Burbank Boulevard in Encino, according to CBS/KCAL News. Stevenson, part of the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division street racing task force, was driving 80 mph in a 40 mph zone without lights or sirens.

Dashcam footage captured the violent crash. The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued the brothers and transported them to the hospital in critical condition. Richard Paper fell into a coma for several days. Both brothers suffered fractured skulls, brain bleeds, and fractured spines, requiring months of hospitalization and rehabilitation.

LAPD Finds Officer at Fault — But LA Denies Responsibility in Court

An LAPD internal investigation found Stevenson responsible for the crash due to unsafe speed and reckless driving. However, during a deposition, Stevenson invoked his Fifth Amendment right 60 times, refusing to answer questions about the incident.

Two months after the crash, the brothers filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles. In court filings, the LA City Attorney’s Office, led by Hydee Feldstein Soto, denied fault and disputed the severity of the brothers’ injuries, according to FOX 11.

“You can see the carnage and destruction that was done to their car and to them,” said the brothers’ attorney, Robert Glassman, according to FOX 11. Glassman also accused Feldstein Soto of a conflict of interest, alleging she is pushing state legislation to limit public entity liability while simultaneously fighting the brothers’ claims.

The proposed bill, titled “Saving Local Government – Public Entity Liability Budget Bill,” would cap noneconomic damages—such as pain and suffering—to the greater of three times economic damages or $1 million, following models in 38 other states.

The LA City Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, according to FOX 11.