Police chases can lead to several vehicles tearing through the streets (and non-streets) of Corpus Christi at high speeds and with reckless abandon. Such chases may involve desperate suspects who will do anything to evade law enforcement officers. The suspect or a police vehicle could strike pedestrians, motorists, and other parties. You or your loved one may have been struck and injured because of a police chase, and you could be entitled to compensation.
A Corpus Christi police chase accidents lawyer is familiar with the laws governing police chases in Texas and can help you pursue any awards you deserve. Call Ben Crump, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to speak with our team about your case.
Police Pursuits Are Not Always Justified
Dallas Police Department General Order 301.07 explains that police may not always be justified in pursuing a “suspected violator of the law” in their vehicle. One or more of the following conditions must apply for an officer to engage in a police chase.
The Suspect May Have Used Physical Force or Has a Firearm
The General Order explains that an officer may pursue a suspect if the officer has reason to believe that the person might commit a felony with violence or a firearm.
The officer may also chase a suspect if they saw them threateningly show or fire a weapon in a public place.
They Are Assisting Another Police Agency
If another police agency has begun pursuing a suspect under the above conditions, another police officer may be justified in joining the chase. This is not always true, which is why it could be important for a lawyer to review your specific case. They may be able to determine whether you were the victim of an unjust police pursuit.
In any case, the officer must believe that pursuing the suspect is more important than the possible risk that comes from the police chase itself. If an officer believes that a driver is intoxicated, but the driver’s actions do not escalate beyond failing to stop for the police vehicle, it might not warrant a pursuit.
For a free legal consultation with a police chase accidents lawyer serving Corpus Christi, call (844) 730-0233
A Police Department Could be Liable for an Unjust Chase
The law requires officers to exercise caution and reason and follow the rules that apply to them. If one or more officers caused harm to you or a loved one by engaging in an unjustified police chase in Corpus Christi, specific officers and the department itself could be liable for your losses.
Your lawyer will aim to prove that any defendant responsible for your losses put you at an unreasonable risk of harm and was negligent. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §101.025, a governmental entity like a police department could be responsible for your losses if:
- Their unjust use of a motor vehicle caused property damage
- Their actions caused injury
- Their unjust use of a motor vehicle caused the loss of a life
Lawsuits can be complicated, particularly when a government entity is involved. Your Corpus Christi police chase accidents lawyer will handle your case, and you will not have to worry about seeking compensation thanks to their representation.
Call Ben Crump, PLLC today to find out how we may move forward with your lawsuit.
Corpus Christi Police Chase Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Police Chase Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries or Death
Police chases generally involve several types of danger. They include:
- Multiple vehicles traveling at high speeds
- A suspect who has little care for the safety of others, including you or your loved one
- The possibility of a driver who is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- The possibility of a driver who is capable of dangerous behavior
Even if the driver does not directly cause a collision, vehicles may be under great pressure during a police chase. Tires, brakes, and other vehicle parts may fail in a way that causes a collision.
A police vehicle or suspect may have struck your vehicle or hit you as a pedestrian. Your loved one may have suffered one of these fates. The consequences of such a collision can be great. They may include injuries that claimed your loved one’s life or left you in great pain.
You May Be in Emotional and Physical Pain
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) explains that about one per person per day died in a police chase over a nearly 20-year stretch. If you lost a loved one or suffered an injury because of a police chase, you may be in serious emotional or physical pain—possibly both.
Your pain could stem from:
- Injuries
- The trauma of losing a loved one
- Recurring thoughts of your accident
- Disability
- Loss of quality of life
A lawyer will aim to secure compensation for your physical, emotional, and psychological pain and suffering.
You May Face Financial Harm
A police chase-related accident can harm you financially. You may have medical expenses, be unable to earn an income, need to repair your vehicle, and be suffering financially.
A lawyer will work to recover compensation for your financial losses from those responsible for your accident.
There are other ways that a police chase accident can cause harm. Your lawyer can determine all of the ways that your accident has caused you loss and aim to negotiate a settlement that provides you a just amount of compensation.
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Call Our Legal Team Today
The team at Ben Crump, PLLC takes tough cases head-on and wants to help ensure you do not suffer any more harm because of a police chase accident. A Corpus Christi police chase accidents lawyer will protect your rights and work to secure compensation for you or your loved one.
Call Ben Crump, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to complete your free consultation.
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