Police Chase Car Accident Lawyer BIG AUTO

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that traffic fatalities increased 7% between the first quarter of 2021 and the same time frame in 2022.

Suspects Are Fleeing Pursuits More Often

Although you may think more accidents happen because more drivers are on the road, statistics show otherwise. The number of drivers has not increased; rather, drivers’ conduct has changed. They engage more frequently in riskier behavior behind the wheel, including:

• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving

Drivers are not only speeding and driving aggressively more often — they are also fleeing pursuit. While no national data exist for police chase statistics, some districts keep tabs. According to a report from the Police Executive Research Forum, many agencies report significant increases in police chases over the last five years. One noted a 40% increase, while another district discovered an alarming 150% upsurge in suspects fleeing police.

Police have the critical task of discerning whether chasing an offender is too big a risk to bystanders. However, law enforcement officers must also consider the alleged offense and whether the suspect poses a threat to the general public.

Police chases can be dangerous regardless of the reasons surrounding them. Any time drivers engage in high-speed driving, they create risky circumstances.

Police chases pose a risk to bystanders in many ways.

Reckless Driving

Suspects and law enforcement officers often travel at high speeds during a car chase. They may engage in reckless driving maneuvers such as:

• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Running traffic signs or signals
• Driving at speeds well above the posted limit
• Driving off of roadways

These behaviors can cause bystanders to get hurt if drivers lose control of the vehicle, fail to see someone in their path or make split-second decisions.

Car Malfunctions

People driving recklessly often push their vehicle past its normal limits. They may drive in ways that cars aren’t meant to be driven. A few examples are going off the road, braking too hard and excessively speeding.

These behaviors can cause the car to malfunction or break down. The engine or brakes may fail, tires may blow or pieces of wreckage may fly off.

Altered Reaction Times

When drivers are speeding, they need more time to react. They must brake sooner and respond to obstacles or hazards. They might not have time to brake or swerve to avoid collisions with a car, object or pedestrian.

When bystanders are injured or killed in a police car chase, it is vital to determine liability. All drivers have a duty of care to other motorists, pedestrians and passengers. Failing to uphold that duty means the law may hold them liable for their negligence.
 

Suspects

Suspects fleeing police might not think of the consequences of their actions as much as getting away from law enforcement. They may engage in reckless behavior in their quest to escape the police.

Worse yet, the suspect may purposely drive recklessly. They may deliberately damage property or enter crowded areas to distract law enforcement from pursuing them.

Either way, suspects can be liable if the law determines they failed to uphold their duty of care. The harm the suspect caused by evading police is the central factor in your case — even if they are found innocent of the charges that started the pursuit.
 

Law Enforcement Officers

Most officers balance the risks and possible outcomes of a high-speed chase before engaging in one. Their departments set guidelines and mandates regarding chases, and officers must comply with them.

Justifying a chase may depend on several variables. Generally speaking, lower-level crimes might not warrant a high-speed chase, while pursuing an armed and dangerous suspect may be more justifiable.

These cases can have nuances, including state laws surrounding qualified immunity. You may benefit from working with an attorney. Our lawyers know the law and have experience handling police chase accident cases.
 

Government Agencies

Police go through training on driving methods and safety procedures. The municipality responsible for officer training can be liable in an accident if it is determined to be negligent. Your attorney can review the circumstances of your case. The court may determine that officers in the chase had inadequate or improper training.

You or your loved one can suffer devastating physical, mental and financial losses after a police chase car accident. The bills can pile up quickly, especially if you cannot work. You deserve compensation for your losses.

Laws vary between states, so the type and amount of compensation you receive in a settlement may depend on where you live. It may also hinge on the circumstances surrounding your case. However, your proceeds may include a few types.

Medical Expenses

People often suffer from physical injuries in police chase car accidents. Hopefully, those injuries are minor, and you can go on with your life after a short recovery.

However, you may be facing severe and life-altering injuries or even a wrongful death case. You may receive compensation for:

• Hospital bills
• Prescription medicines
• Medical equipment
• Follow-up appointments

If you require ongoing treatment, you may need compensation for continuing physical or occupational therapy.

Property Damage

If the drivers involved in the chase caused damage to your vehicle or other property, the law may hold them liable for the cost of repairs or replacement.

Lost Wages

Getting hurt in an accident often means time away from work. Perhaps a hospitalization kept you from working for a short time before returning to your job. Maybe you suffered life-altering injuries, and you had to take a different job, go from full-time to part-time employment or stop working altogether.

Your compensation may include lost wages, future lost wages or loss of earning capacity, depending on your circumstances.

Pain and Suffering

States have different laws surrounding settlements for pain and suffering. You may receive compensation for mental distress linked to a physical injury. In other cases, you may receive compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement or mental anguish. The lawyers at Big Auto Accident Attorneys can advise you regarding settlements for pain and suffering.

Punitive Damages

Judges sometimes determine that the defendant’s acts of gross negligence warrant an additional award. While compensatory damages cover your losses, punitive damages go above and beyond. Judges can order them to punish the liable party. They also set an example and discourage anyone from committing the act again. Our attorneys will investigate your claim and determine if punitive damages are possible.

The circumstances around police chase accidents can be complex. You may need to sort out who is responsible, how much the insurance company is offering and other pertinent information. The task can be overwhelming while you or your loved one is recovering from injuries.

Taking Care of Details For You

Your Big Auto attorney can handle the details of your case while you focus on getting better. Some of the tasks your lawyer will address include:

• Reviewing police reports
• Speaking to witnesses
• Examining evidence
• Filing paperwork on time
• Collaborating with our national team of co-counsel law firms

Your attorney will also negotiate with the insurance companies involved. Insurers are motivated to pay you the lowest amount possible to preserve their bottom line, but we will fight to get you the highest award possible.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Your attorney may be able to get you a more significant award than you would on your own, even if your case settles out of court. The lawyers at Big Auto Accident Attorneys have experience dealing with police chase car accidents. They know the value of your losses, even if the insurance company tries to convince you otherwise.

Our lawyers will use their knowledge to guide your claim process, whether it goes to trial or settles beforehand. We will work to make things go as smoothly as possible.

We only get paid when you win your case, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. We also review your case for free so that you can get answers to your questions.