Police chases often pose deadly risks to bystanders in Raleigh, North Carolina. The pursuing police and fleeing cars usually drive at high speeds, which sometimes causes them to lose control on the road or cause high-impact collisions with other cars or pedestrians. If you were struck by a police vehicle, there are several ways to seek compensation for damages. Raleigh accidents caused by police chase lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can provide legal support until you settle with the police department. Call our team at (844) 730-0233 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Liable Parties in a Police Chase Accident
North Carolina General Statutes (GS) §20-145 states that the police can break speed limits when chasing suspects. However, they are not protected from damage they cause due to their recklessness while speeding.
The fleeing motorist may also be partly responsible for the accident. After all, they created a reason for law enforcement to pursue them, even if the police were the ones who collided with your car. It is also possible that other parties share fault in the crash. For example, other drivers could have also crashed into you while evading a particularly fast chase.
A Raleigh police chase accident lawyer can help you investigate the incident for any possible liable parties aside from the police officers and chase suspects. They can search for evidence, such as surveillance or dashcam footage and eyewitness reports. The attorney is also familiar with North Carolina’s liability laws concerning the government and can explain them to you if you have questions.
For a free legal consultation with a police chase accidents lawyer serving Raleigh, call (844) 730-0233
Taking Legal Action Against the Government
According to the GS §143-291, you can sue government entities if their employees acted negligently, consequently causing injuries and property damage while doing their duties. The agency the employee works for, which in this case is the Raleigh Police Department, shall pay the first $150,000 of the damages due to you. The maximum limit they can pay multiple claimants in one incident is $1,000,000.
You can receive economic and noneconomic damages if your police chase accident claim is successful. Economic damages pertain to the accident’s financial costs, such as hospital bills, medications, and car repairs. Meanwhile, noneconomic damages can mean more intangible costs, including disabilities and pain and suffering.
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North Carolina’s Fault Rules Still Apply
Note that the state’s contributory negligence rule, as outlined in GS §1-139, will still apply to your claim against Raleigh’s police force. This means if you are partially liable, you cannot recover any damages. This is even if your share of fault is just a small percentage. You must provide enough evidence to show that you do not share any liability.
Filing cases against government departments or officials may seem intimidating, but it should not keep you from fighting for the restitution you deserve. Ben Crump Law, PLLC, has a Raleigh accidents caused by police chase lawyer who can help you form your claim or lawsuit against the city’s police force.
Besides searching for proof of the officer’s absolute liability, the lawyer can assist in compiling your accident-related expenses to get a more accurate calculation of your total damages. They will also represent you in court proceedings and meetings with the other party’s legal team.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today to schedule your free consultation and share with us the details of your situation. We can help you weigh what steps you want to take next.
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Other Compensation Options
For other drivers at fault in the police chase, you can file a third-party claim to avail of their liability insurance. But if they are uninsured, you can use your uninsured motorist coverage instead. These are the two insurance policies that GS §20-279.21 requires all drivers to carry, including you. These policies help cover the injury and property damage expenses you accumulated.
Other optional auto insurance policies, such as collision and medical payments coverage, can also pay for your respective car damage and injury-related costs. They will come into play regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
If these options still do not suffice, you can also file a lawsuit against the other motorist.
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Time Limits for Filing Police Chase Accident Cases
The Tort Claims Act also details how long you have for filing a claim against Raleigh’s police. It follows the same deadlines as a typical car accident case in North Carolina: three years for injuries and property damage, and two years for wrongful death claims. You must pass the claim on time, as it will likely be dismissed if you miss your due date.
While these may seem like ample time to work on your claim, keep in mind that you could have other priorities that might prevent you from focusing on it. For instance, you might still have to concentrate on treating your injuries from the crash. A Raleigh police chase accident lawyer can file your lawsuit on time. They also can help determine the date and continue working even when you cannot.
We Are Here to Help You Seek Justice
If you need help seeking compensation against Raleigh’s law enforcement for the injuries and other damage they caused in their chase, do not hesitate to call the office of Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Our Raleigh accidents caused by police chase lawyers are here to guide you through the aspects of your case and help you manage the legal process. Call (844) 730-0233 to schedule your free case evaluation with a team member today.
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