Know Your Rights and Options After a Police Chase Accident
If you are ever involved in a car accident, it can be an incredibly traumatic experience. If you are dealing with personal injury or property damage caused by the incident, it can be even more challenging to get through. When a police car hits your vehicle during a police chase, the situation becomes even more complex—especially if you were not the fleeing suspect but an innocent bystander.
You may wonder, “What happens if a cop hits your car during a chase?” In these cases, determining police liability is crucial. The police department and law enforcement agency involved may be held accountable, but these cases often involve intricate claims against government agencies. Collecting witness statements and evidence is key to strengthening your personal injury claim and proving that the police officers’ actions were negligent.
According to an investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle, 3,336 people in the U.S. were killed in police car pursuits between 2017 and 2022. More than half of these fatalities involved innocent parties, such as non-driving passengers and bystanders. If you’re injured in such an incident, you can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Navigating claims against a law enforcement agency can be difficult, as the insurance company representing the agency may attempt to minimize payouts. Understanding your rights and seeking legal support ensures that you receive fair compensation for your damages and the justice you deserve.
Understanding How Police Chase Accidents Happen
When a police officer is in pursuit of a suspect, it usually becomes a high-speed chase where the officer may not have the time and ability to focus on their surroundings – meaning they can’t always react to other vehicles or pedestrians in the area.
Officers are authorized to pursue suspects in a high-speed chase during an emergency situation, but they still have a duty to the public to drive in a manner that is safe and minimizes harm to others – especially those who are not involved in the pursuit. More than 25% of lives lost during a police chase accident are those of completely innocent bystanders.
Take These Steps Immediately After a Cop Chase Accident
While there are fatal accidents in every state, Texas ranks as one of the states with the highest number of injuries and fatalities during high-speed chases. It is important to know how to protect yourself in these scenarios.
If you’ve been injured by a police car during a high-speed chase, please take the following steps immediately after the incident to protect yourself:
- Your safety is the #1 priority: Check yourself for injuries, and then examine anyone else who was involved. If anyone is hurt, even with a minor injury, call 911 for medical assistance immediately.
- Document as much evidence as you can find: If it’s safe to do so, and you are physically stable, take photos of everything you can – the accident scene, the police vehicle, your vehicle, any visible injuries, etc. This evidence can be extremely valuable for your case should you decide to pursue a police chase accident lawsuit.
- Gather Information and witness statements: Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with any police officers who were involved in the incident. If there are any witnesses who can vouch for you, try to get their names, contact details, and statements.
- File an official police report: Just like any other accident, you’ll want to ensure an official record is on file. Request a copy of the police report to keep for your records – this will be helpful for your case.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel okay, make sure you get checked by a medical professional. While some injuries are obvious, others may not be noticeable until the adrenaline and shock have worn off.
- Connect with a dedicated personal injury attorney: Police chase accidents can be extremely complex. Be sure to consult with an expert personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Your Rights to Compensation after a High-Speed Chase Accident
The Houston Police Department announced that they would no longer pursue suspects for traffic offenses, but high-speed chase accidents do still occur. More than 350 people are killed in the United States every day in a police chase accident. Many more are injured, and unfortunately, a large percentage of these folks are completely innocent bystanders.
Straddling the line between public safety and law enforcement duties makes determining fault in a police chase accident extremely challenging. Though an accident involving a police vehicle tends to have an added layer of complications, you may still be entitled to compensation in the form of:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work
- Pain and suffering
Due to the complex nature of a police chase accident lawsuit against a government entity, it is critical that you hire a legal expert who will help you navigate the specific procedures and time limits involved.
Why Legal Representation is Essential for a Police Chase Accident Lawsuit
When a car accident involves a police car, it must be handled differently than a typical collision between civilians. A police chase accident lawsuit involves complex traffic laws, insurance coverage issues, and determining the responsible party. These legal processes require specialized knowledge that an experienced lawyer can provide.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we understand the confusion that can overwhelm you during such a stressful time. Our compassionate team is here to help you navigate your legal options and seek compensation for your injuries and losses. We’ll ensure the insurance claim process is handled correctly, from negotiating with insurance adjusters to making sure your claim is accepted and you receive a fair settlement.
In such cases, gathering evidence like violations of traffic signs and other factors is crucial to hold liable parties accountable. Whether you’re pursuing legal action for medical bills, lost wages, or property damage, we will work to recover maximum compensation for you. We’ll also ensure your insurance policy and collision coverage are maximized to protect your interests.
Let us handle the complexities of government liability and insurance company negotiations so you can focus on healing and reclaiming your peace of mind.
Taking the Next Steps with Angel Reyes & Associates
You are not alone.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a police chase accident, the compassionate team at Angel Reyes & Associates is committed to protecting your rights under Texas law and helping you seek justice. Our personal injury attorneys want to learn your story so we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Allow us to take the burden off your shoulders as we navigate the complex procedures involved in filing claims against the police department. Please be mindful that time is of the essence due to specific deadlines for claims against government entities.
