When the police begin a high-speed chase in Alpharetta, it puts many people at risk. Besides the fleeing suspect, innocent drivers and pedestrians can suffer injuries. Too many of these police chases result in car accident deaths. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in this way, talk to an Alpharetta car accident lawyer today.
At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to fight for you and your family. We represent those who suffered injuries during a chase that didn’t involve them. You should not have to pay for others’ actions.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
Why Police Chase Accidents Happen in Alpharetta
Police chases can begin for many different reasons. However, they always happen when officers are pursuing a suspect.
High-speed chases make more sense when the suspect is a danger to themselves and others. The police must capture the suspect before they do more damage. However, police chases sometimes occur even when the threat is low. If an innocent person gets harmed in the process, one questions whether the pursuit was worth the costs.
The police might start a chase because of crimes like:
- Robberies
- Murders
- Hit and runs
- Fleeing the police
- Shoplifting
- Running a red light
Chases happen when a suspect tries to flee from law enforcement. The suspect will usually drive at high speeds to try and lose the officers. The police are more likely to start a chase if they see the suspect commit the crime.
It makes no sense for officers to begin a chase for smaller crimes. Some people argue that pursuits are a terrible idea altogether. The cost of potential injuries is usually too great. However, the police sometimes still chase a suspect despite the risks.
If you or a loved one were the victims of a police chase accident, don’t wait to get help. You shouldn’t bear the costs of another person’s mistakes. Talk to an Alpharetta car accident lawyer for help today.
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Police Chase Facts and Laws
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), an average of one person per day died in chase-related accidents from 1996 to 2015. This number is far too high. Innocent bystanders should not have to pay for the price of another driver’s actions.
Police chases can lead to injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Permanent disabilities
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Loss of limb
- Spinal cord injuries
- Death
Police chase injuries can lead to substantial medical costs and more. A victim might be unable to work as they could before. They could have severe emotional trauma from experiencing injuries in the crash. If you were a victim in this way, you should know that you have rights.
First responders are vital to cities like Alpharetta. However, the police have a responsibility to keep innocent drivers safe too. There are real concerns about how and when police chases should happen.
Georgia Code Section 40-6-6 covers the laws on liability for first responders. The code allows law enforcement to do the following when pursuing a suspect:
- Drive past a stop sign or red light (after slowing down enough to ensure it’s safe)
- Exceed the speed limit (as long as it does not endanger someone’s life or property)
- Disregard movement or turning regulations
The police can perform actions that would typically be illegal while pursuing a suspect. However, the laws are clear that officers must do so safely. They must maintain regard for innocent people on the road.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a police chase accident, contact John Foy & Associates. We can help you seek compensation for what you’ve suffered. Although police chases are a complicated subject, one thing is for sure. You deserve financial recovery for damages you did not cause.
To schedule a FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
The Dangers of Police Chases in Alpharetta
Even when officers are careful, police chases are often unpredictable. No one can fully control their actions while driving at excessive speeds. Even when a police officer has the best intentions, there are risks.
Victims of police chases in Alpharetta can include:
- Car or truck drivers
- Bicyclists
- Bikers
- Pedestrians
- Passengers
A police chase can cause severe crashes. The suspect could hit other vehicles while fleeing the police. At such high speeds, some collisions can cause instant death.
If a loved one died after a police chase accident, you could have a wrongful death claim. Specific family members can bring a case on behalf of the deceased loved one. Talk to an experienced Alpharetta car accident lawyer today to know your options.
Types of Police Chase Accidents
Police chases can cause crashes like:
- Head-on collisions
- Side-swipe accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Rollover crashes
- Multiple-car accidents
- And more
No matter how the crash occurs, you should not have to pay for it if you were not at fault. An experienced police chase lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your damages. Your lawyer will know where to start with building your case.
Police chase accidents are often traumatic for all victims. Thankfully, you don’t have to handle your case alone. Your attorney can manage the legal side of things while you focus on healing. Schedule a consultation today to get the help your family needs.
Talk to an Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping police pursuit victims for over 20 years. Our attorneys help clients throughout the Georgia area. Plus, we will not charge you a fee unless we win your case.
Contact us today to learn more about your options. During a FREE consultation, we’ll listen to your situation and discuss how we can help you. If you choose to work with us, there is no charge unless we win you compensation.
To schedule your FREE, no-risk consultation, contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your call.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
