Protecting Your Rights After Police Chase Accidents
The police are supposed to protect the public. However, when they become involved in a high-speed chase, bystanders and drivers often suffer the consequences. A high-speed police chase can put innocent bystanders, pedestrians and other drivers in danger. Data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows hundreds of fatalities and injuries caused by police chases every year.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a police chase, the personal injury attorneys at Zane D. Smith & Associates, Ltd., in Chicago can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers have over 85 years of combined experience and a proven track record of success. Previously, we obtained a verdict for over $10 million in a police chase case. You can trust us to use our knowledge and experience to advocate for you.
Police Pursuits Can Have Catastrophic Consequences For Innocent Bystanders
In a police chase, law enforcement will often utilize various methods to try and catch their suspect, including blocking the vehicle’s path and high speeds. Unfortunately, these methods create a greater risk for innocent, uninvolved drivers and pedestrians on the road. When a police chase ends in a crash involving a pedestrian or other driver, catastrophic injuries and fatalities can occur.
Common injuries involved in police chases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Fatalities
Injury cases stemming from police chases are often much more complicated than regular car accident claims. When a high-speed chase causes an accident, you can hold law enforcement liable for your harm. Our attorneys at Zane D. Smith & Associates, Ltd., have years of experience championing your rights to compensation. While no amount of money can take away your suffering, it can help you move forward and hold law enforcement responsible.
Common Questions And Answers About Police Chase Car Accidents
Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about police-involved car accidents.
Who is liable for my injuries after being hit by a police car during a chase?
Police chases are high-risk for everyone involved and other travelers on the road. Some are necessary or start out as justifiable, some become too dangerous to continue, and some should not have been attempted in the first place. The decisions aren’t always clear, which is why police officers must abide by strict department policies and use their best judgment about the risks to the public.
If you were struck by a police vehicle during a chase, liability depends heavily on the specific details of your case. Under some circumstances, the fleeing suspect could be held liable for your injuries, even if they weren’t involved in the collision. In other cases, police or the city may be considered liable if officers violated department policies, acted with willful negligence or failed to discontinue a chase when conditions became too dangerous.
It’s critical to work with an attorney who can thoroughly investigate the details of your crash and help you understand all of your legal options.
How do I file a claim against the police department or the city for my injuries?
Filing a lawsuit against any Illinois resident involves significant paperwork and adherence to deadlines. As you can imagine, these burdens are even more onerous when you want to file a civil claim against a government entity like the Chicago police.
The best way to approach this is with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney. The statute of limitations for police car accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, but you will want to take action much sooner than that. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you with all necessary paperwork, filing in the appropriate legal venue and gathering evidence to support your claim.
What can I receive compensation for after being hit by a police car?
The potential damages available for a police chase car accident are the same as those for nearly any motor vehicle crash. Depending on the details of your case, you can seek compensation for:
- Medical bills (present and future)
- Permanent disability
- Lost wages and/or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property loss and damage
Things like medical bills are known as “economic damages” because they have an objective value based on direct costs incurred by the victim. You can also seek noneconomic damages for things like pain and suffering. Although these are considered subjective, they nonetheless deserve to be fairly compensated. A skilled attorney can help you carefully assess the value of these damages.
We Will Fight For You
Law enforcement officers have a duty to keep the general public safe. When they breach this duty and cause injuries or fatalities, you can hold them liable for their negligence. You do not have to face this process alone. Our attorneys will fight tirelessly for you. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 312-245-0031 or complete our online contact form to get in touch with us.