SPOKANE, Wash. — Nearly four years after their car was t-boned outside Deaconess Hospital, James and Lois Collins have agreed to settle their claim against the city for $135,000.
Spokane City Council members approved the six-figure settlement during Monday night's meeting and heard public comments.
"Not only do we give the police a bunch of money before they do something wrong, we then have to pay for their mistakes and missteps," resident Zachary McGuckin said during public forum.
The high-speed crash happened outside Deaconess Hospital in March 2020. James Collins and his wife were heading west on Fifth Avenue, as Spokane officer Michael Brunner was heading down the Lincoln Street Hill.
According to the Collins' attorney, Brunner was driving 65 in the 30 mile per hour zone moments before he t-boned the couple.
James Collins broke his clavicle, rib and suffered trauma to his kidney. His wife, Lois, received a cut to her head, requiring staples.
The couple also received a ticket. An officer on scene determined Brunner had the right of way. The officer was later charged with two counts of felony vehicular assault.
In 2021, Brunner agreed to plead guilty and had charges reduced to misdemeanor reckless driving. He was ordered to pay $283 in fines.
According to court documents, Brunner was not responding to an emergency at the time of the crash, but rather on his way back to the station at the end of his shift.
An internal investigation found Brunner violated three department policies. SPD confirmed Brunner is still with the department.
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