Police officers in Brookhaven might chase a suspect if they won’t pull over. There are many concerns when this happens. For example, innocent people nearby can suffer injuries. If you or a loved one were injured in this way, you have rights.
The police must make smart decisions before starting a chase. They should know that each case puts the public in danger too. High-speed chases are hazardous for everyone involved.
Our Brookhaven police chase lawyers can help if you were injured. We’ll investigate the accident, gather the facts, and protect your rights. Contact us to learn more during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Why Police Chase Accidents Happen
High-speed chases are often out-of-control. Even when police officers work together, they can’t predict the suspect’s actions. Sadly, anyone nearby can get hurt as a result.
Accidents happen when the chase involves:
- High speeds
- Reckless driving
- Road rage
- Unexpected maneuvers
Many types of accidents can happen during a police chase, such as:
- Rollover accidents
- Side-impact collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
Anyone in the suspect’s path is at risk. Many times, a victim dies because of the chase. Others might suffer severe injuries with life-long effects.
If you did not cause an accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for the costs. Talk to a police chase lawyer today about your options. You might be eligible for money to recover what you’ve lost.
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Police Chase Accident Injuries
Police chase accidents often cause severe injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Neck or back injuries
- Severe burns
Sometimes, suspects become violent in unexpected ways. For example, a fleeing driver might jump out and brandish a weapon. Any innocent people nearby might suffer sudden injuries or death.
Serious accident injuries might cause paralysis or disabilities. Your injuries could affect your ability to work or function as before. These are all losses your lawyer will consider when building your case.
Who Is At Fault for Police Chase Accidents
The responsible party in an accident should pay for the damages. But in a police chase accident, the responsible driver is not always obvious. You might wonder if the responsible party is:
- The fleeing suspect
- The police officers chasing the suspect
- Or both
In Georgia, each police department has different policies for police chases. For example, the Atlanta police no longer allow chases. When a police department does allow chase, there are still rules.
Under Georgia Code §40-6-6, police officers can:
- Run a red light or stop sign (but only after slowing down enough to be safe),
- Go above the speed limit (but only if they do not endanger lives or property), and
- Ignoring direction-related traffic rules.
Even during a chase, officers must think about public safety. Each department will have additional policies too. Officers must follow all guidelines if they are chasing someone.
Most of the time, you cannot sue a police department for police chase injuries. But you can hold them responsible if:
- An officer did not follow procedures, and
- It caused injuries or deaths.
If the officer followed all rules, you probably cannot hold the police department responsible. You’d need to file a case against the driver to recover your costs.
Bringing a claim against the fleeing driver is complicated. They might not have insurance coverage or many assets. Plus, some suspects are killed during a police chase.
Talk to a police chase lawyer about your options. Your lawyer will ensure you know the best actions to take for your case. You can speak with one of our attorneys during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now.
How a Lawyer Helps You Seek Justice
A police chase lawyer can look over the facts of your accident. They’ll explain your rights and how they can help. An experienced lawyer will help by:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing police camera footage
- Looking at traffic camera footage
- Investigating police policies
- Calculating your damages
Call a lawyer before assuming your rights. You might have more options than you realize. For example, the police could have violated a policy that allows you to sue.
Your Damages in a Police Chase Accident
If you were hurt during a police chase, you’ll have damages. Your damages are your costs and losses from the accident. Common police chase damages include:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
You should not have to pay for the costs of someone else’s actions. Your lawyer will help calculate all of your damages. That includes future medical costs for your injuries.
Severe injuries could affect your ability to work. The accident might force you to work less or take a lower-paying job. Your lawyer will make sure your claim includes these losses.
Police chase accidents can be very traumatic. You might have a lot of pain and suffering damages for how the crash has affected your life. Talk to your lawyer about the emotional effects of the accident.
Talk to a Brookhaven Police Chase Lawyer for Free
Police chase accidents are serious and complicated. If you were injured as an innocent victim, it’s important to know your rights. You should not have to shoulder the costs. At John Foy & Associates, we know how to help you build a strong case.
We have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Our lawyers are not afraid to fight as hard as it takes. Plus, there is no charge until we win you a settlement or an award.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. We’ll discuss your case and your best legal options.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
