You could face a mountain of medical bills and other expenses if you suffered injuries in an accident caused by a police chase. You should not have to bear this burden. A Tallahassee accidents caused by police chase lawyer can help identify liable parties and pursue damages for you and your loved ones.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, will take on municipalities, police departments, and other powerful third parties who might have caused your injuries. We will protect your rights and receive payment only if we successfully resolve your case.
Please call (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation with a member of our firm. You are not alone in your quest for compensation and justice.
Police Chases Can Be Deadly
Watching a police chase in a movie may be an exciting experience, but a real-life police chase through your community is terrifying and dangerous. While we respect the fact that sometimes police officers must pursue suspected criminals, many people have suffered injuries or died because of a high-speed chase.
An attorney with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, may be able to help you or a loved one injured because of a police chase, including situations in which:
- You were the driver or a passenger in the pursued vehicle.
- Either the pursued vehicle or the police car struck the vehicle in which you were
- another motorist.
- You suffered injuries as a bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian struck by the pursued vehicle or police car.
- You lost a loved one because of a police chase.
You did not choose to be a victim of this accident, but you can decide to take legal action. A Tallahassee accidents caused by police chase lawyer can help you pursue compensation and justice for your damages.
For a free legal consultation with a police chase accidents lawyer serving Tallahassee, call (844) 730-0233
Why Police Chases Are More Likely to Cause Injury or Death
According to an article in USA Today, since 1979, police chases have ended with an estimated 270,000 Americans suffering injuries. During this time, the number of fatalities staggers the mind: 11,506 people, with a nearly 50-50 split between fleeing suspects and bystanders. At least 139 police officers also lost their lives during this period.
Police chase accidents are more likely to cause injuries or deaths because they involve:
- At least two vehicles, often more if additional officers are called for backup.
- Speeding, sometimes at high speeds, on busy city streets.
- Illegal traffic maneuvers.
- Running stop signs, red lights, and yield signs.
- Driving onto sidewalks and into yards.
It is also important to remember that police chases heighten emotions and become heated events. This aggression, combined with high-speed chases, can put other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists at risk.
Tallahassee Police Chase Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Determine Responsibility for Your Injuries and Damages
As an example, a citizen backed their car out of the driveway when a police chase zoomed past their house, with one of the cars involved in the pursuit hitting their vehicle. Would the alleged perpetrator be at fault? Would it be the police officer? Or the citizen who otherwise minded their business?
A lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, has the resources to conduct a full examination of the incident. They can obtain evidence to identify liable parties.
These liable parties may include:
- Police departments
- Police officers
- Municipalities
- Fleeing drivers
There may be more than one liable party in the accident. In our previous example, the fleeing driver decided to bolt, so they could have liability. The police officer who gave chase may also be responsible since they chose to pursue the suspect.
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How We Show Negligence
Determining if the officer used reasonable and prudent thinking is one of the most important aspects of a police chase accident investigation. It is often a split-second decision that determines whether a police chase will ensue. While we expect officers to avoid pursuing suspects in an irresponsible manner that could injure themselves, the suspect, or bystanders, sometimes they make a rash decision.
Florida Statute 316.072 allows drivers of emergency vehicles to disregard the rules of the road while responding to an actual emergency or pursuing “an actual or suspected violator of the law” so long as doing so does not “endanger life or property.”
A Tallahassee accidents caused by police chase lawyer will look at the circumstances of the police chase to see if the officer met the intention of Florida law, including:
- If the situation meets the criteria for a police chase for that specific law enforcement agency.
- If a speedy police response would diminish or reduce an existing threat to human life or well-being.
- If the driver exercised “due regard for the safety of all persons” while pursuing a fleeing suspect.
The statute does not protect officers “from the consequences of [their] reckless disregard for the safety of others.” If the risk of injuring others is more significant than allowing the suspect to get away, and the officer did not err on the side of caution and protecting others’ safety, you could recover an award for your damages.
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How You Could Recover Damages
Florida has a “no-fault” policy when it comes to motor vehicle accident liability, as described in Florida Statutes 627.7407. This rule means that your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance must cover your expenses for bodily injuries up to the limit on your policy—Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in coverage.
If you have bodily injury expenses that exceed your policy limit, you can pursue recovery from the liable party or parties.
A lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, will seek compensation for such losses as:
- Medical care (including ambulance, emergency department services, surgery, hospital stay, medical tests, specialists, and prescription medicines).
- Lost pay for the time that you missed at work due to the accident.
- Property damage, including repair bills, car rental fees, or costs for temporary transportation such as Uber.
- Pain and suffering.
- Diminished quality of life.
We can also help surviving family members recover damages if their loved one died from injuries related to a police chase accident.
Florida Statute of Limitations on Police Chase Accidents
Florida Statute of limitations § 95.11(3)(a) only allows victims four years after the accident to file for a personal injury lawsuit. After experiencing an injury from an accident resulting from a police chase, you will likely want to focus on recovering your physical health. You do not have an unlimited amount of time to take legal action if you need to, though.
If you fail to file a personal injury lawsuit within the four years, you risk losing your chance to hold the negligent party accountable for the losses they caused you. Keep in mind that it could also take time for your lawyer to investigate the police chase accident and collect evidence for your case.
To get started right away, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at 800-959-1444. We can help you comply with the statute of limitations.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
A Tallahassee accidents caused by police chase lawyer can protect your rights and help you recover damages. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation with a team member. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get started.
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