When you are obeying traffic laws and keeping your eye on the road, you are doing everything in your power to stay safe while driving. Sometimes, though, those safety measures are not enough. That is because there are instances when circumstances outside of your control cause a car accident. You can become the victim when a police chase ends in a car wreck.
When a police chase happens, the suspect evading police and the officers in the chase could cause an accident, perhaps with people not involved in the chase at all. An innocent party in the accident has every right to pursue damages if they have suffered injuries and property damage. We at Ben Crump Law, PLLC want to team you up with one of our Tucson accidents caused by police chase lawyers. You can call us today for a free consultation. Our car accident team is ready to talk today at (844) 730-0233.
You Can Seek Compensation
Police chases can end in disaster. The officers involved do have protections because of their job, but they are not allowed to act with wanton disregard for the safety of innocent bystanders. If you were in a crash because of a police chase, you have a right to pursue awards.
According to the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 12-542, you have two years to file a lawsuit after suffering a personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage. If this statute of limitations runs out, your case may get dismissed. Calling us today will get the process started. There is a Tucson accidents caused by police chase lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC for you.
You can recover both economic and non-economic damages from your accident. These include those damages with a real dollar value and those with a value that may be more difficult to determine. Some damages include:
- Medical bills for emergency room visits, primary care physician appointments, physical therapy, and more
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Diminished earning capacity, or when your injuries keep you from earning the same amount of money you had been
- Property damage to your vehicle or anything damaged or destroyed in the crash
- Pain and suffering you have endured from your injuries
- Inconvenience of scheduling and keeping doctor appointments or arranging transportation after losing your vehicle
- Distress, which could be from any aspect of your accident and subsequent injury
These are just a few of the awards you can pursue with a lawsuit. There are no caps on damages for personal injury cases in Arizona, according to the state’s constitution, Article 2 Section 31. One of the lawyers from our team can help you calculate the right amount to include in your case. Do not let the statute of limitations run out, or you may not have an option for compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a police chase accidents lawyer serving Tucson, call (844) 730-0233
Police Chases Happen Across the Country
When a suspect evades officers, a chase can begin. It can start with a simple traffic stop for speeding or because the police believe the suspect is driving a stolen vehicle. Whatever the case, when a suspect fails to stop for law enforcement, it can set off a dangerous chain of events. If the suspect in question disregards the safety of others or officers continue a pursuit even when they should stop it, disaster can happen. Damage to property and personal injury can be the result.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reports that between 1996 and 2015, there were more than 7,000 deaths resulting from police pursuits. That amounts to nearly 1 person per day. In 2012 alone there were 186 police chases per day across the country. Law enforcement agencies have guidelines when it comes to pursuing suspects, including in Arizona. It is the suspect’s choice to evade police, but it is up to the officers involved to decide whether to begin a pursuit. They must act within their protocols.
Police Officer Responsibility
Police officers have to consider public safety when deciding to continue or end a pursuit and what strategies for apprehension to use. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, pursuits should end when the risks to public safety outweigh the immediate need to catch a suspect. The risk of injuring people nearby or damaging property along the way are factors that officers need to consider when continuing a chase.
The law enforcement officer should also consider the traffic congestion in the area, his or her own experience and abilities, the nature of the suspect’s crime, and the availability of assistance. Officers have training and protocols in place to help determine whether a pursuit is advisable or not. This is in part to keep the public, like yourself, safe from undue harm.
If the officer involved in the pursuit was negligent, you may be able to seek compensation from the individual officer or from their law enforcement agency. It is the responsibility of the police to act in the interest of public safety. If the tactics used by the officer were excessive considering the reason for the chase or if they acted with disregard for public safety, they could be liable.
Filing a lawsuit against a police department or officer can seem daunting. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can guide you through the steps. We want you to get fair treatment and just compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Tucson Police Chase Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Help
Do not hesitate to pursue compensation for your hardship. You have two years to file a lawsuit for compensation. You have suffered greatly because of your car accident, whether in property damage alone or in personal injuries. You should not have to pay any more for an accident that was not your fault.
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC knows Arizona law. We have a Tucson accidents caused by police chase lawyer that’s right for your case. Call us today at (844) 730-0233. The consultation is free. You only pay us if we win, and we will not back down from a tough case. We want to fight for your rights.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
