In high-speed police chases, one or more drivers can sometimes lose control of their vehicles, causing an accident. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), about 355 people die in police chase accidents each year.
A Nashville accidents caused by police chase lawyer could help you recover compensation after such an accident for expenses such as:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, helps injury victims get the compensation and justice they deserve when another person’s negligent action causes their accident. Find out if we can help you by calling a member of our team today at (844) 730-0233.
Potentially Liable Parties
Many parties could cause an accident during a police chase. No matter who caused the crash, a car accident lawyer can help you build a case against them and get you the compensation you deserve.
Police Officer
When a police officer pursues another vehicle at high speed, they could easily lose control and hit you. In this case, you might hold the officer and their law enforcement agency responsible for your injuries and property damage, among other losses.
Generally, sovereign immunity bars you from filing a lawsuit against a government agency until you have filed a claim through the city or state. However, Tennessee Code §29-20-202 removes sovereign immunity for any case involving “injuries resulting from the negligent operation by any employee of a motor vehicle…while in the scope of employment.”
A Nashville accidents caused by police chase lawyer can help you determine whether this statute applies to your case and where to file your claim.
Suspect
If the suspect who the police chased was responsible for the accident, you could hold that party accountable. However, if the police did not catch them during the chase, a lawyer might have to help you locate the driver and hold them responsible for your losses.
Another Driver
In some cases, another driver might have played a part in causing the police chase accident, perhaps in a chain reaction. In these cases, multiple parties could have liability, in which case you would employ comparative negligence under Tennessee Code §20-1-119, where the court assigns each party’s responsibility for compensating you according to their percentage of fault.
For example, if the driver were 80 percent at fault for your injuries and the police officer 20 percent, and you suffered $40,000 in damages, the driver would have to cover $32,000, and the police department would have to cover $8,000.
For a free legal consultation with a police chase accidents lawyer serving Nashville, call (844) 730-0233
How a Nashville Accidents Caused by Police Chase Lawyer Can Help You
An attorney can help you by taking over the entire case for you, something some victims find that they need—especially while recovering from their injuries and focusing on their treatment.
Gathering Evidence
A lawyer can compile the evidence necessary to prove your claim. Relevant evidence might include:
- Street camera footage
- Medical records
- Police records
- Eyewitness accounts of the accident
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
- Photos of the scene and vehicle damage
Building Your Case
A lawyer can then use this evidence to build your claim. They must compile your medical bills, car repair or replacement bills, lost wages, and more to evaluate your total losses. This information will give them a better idea ahead of negotiations with insurance adjusters.
They also must prove the other party’s negligence by showing that they breached their duty of care to you, and their breach caused your injuries and losses.
Negotiations with the Negligent Party
One of the most important ways a lawyer can help you is by handling all communications with the negligent party and their insurance company. The lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, have experience negotiating settlements in our clients’ favor, something the average person might find difficult to do on their own.
Keep in mind that if you say anything resembling an admission of fault, downplaying your injuries, or making the accident seem not as bad as it was, it could jeopardize your case.
Take Your Case to Court
If negotiations do not end in a settlement that matches up with your needs, a car accident lawyer might suggest taking your case to trial. In this case, they can argue your case in front of a judge or jury to try and win a judgment in your favor.
While this might be your only option to get the compensation that you are entitled to recover if the other side will not cooperate, it can take a lot longer to reach a conclusion at trial than in negotiations.
A Nashville accidents caused by police chase lawyer will do everything in their power to get you the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, reach out to Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today.
Nashville Police Chase Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Statute of Limitations in Nashville
The statute of limitations, or the time in which you have to file a lawsuit, for personal injury claims is one year from your injury, according to Tennessee Code §28-3-104. If another driver caused your accident, you must file your lawsuit in a year, or a court could dismiss your case.
However, for claims against a government agency, you have a year to file your case, and the government agency has 60 days to respond, according to the Tennessee Code §29-20-304.
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Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, for Help
When you are ready to hold the party accountable for your injuries responsible, Ben Crump Law, PLLC, stands ready to help. We can build your case, negotiate with the other parties, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
We work on contingency, so you owe us nothing upfront or out-of-pocket. We only receive a payment if we secure a settlement or judgment in your favor.
Call a member of our team today at (844) 730-0233 to see how a Nashville accidents caused by police chase lawyer can help you with your case.
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