It is commendable that, during the course of carrying out their duties, police officers go above and beyond to prevent crime and catch criminals, but when their efforts result in damages, injury, or death to others, what becomes of those innocent victims?
If you or a loved one suffered damages of any type from a police chase in New York, call Morelli Law Firm. A New York police chase lawyer from our firm may be able to investigate your case to determine whether the police in question were negligent in any way in performing their duties and causing your injuries. If another party is liable for your injuries, such as the driver who was fleeing the police, we may be able to take legal action against them instead.
Call Morelli Law Firm now at (212) 751-9800 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.
Consequences of Police Chases
Police chases can have devastating consequences, ranging from property damage and permanent injuries to wrongful death. Determining who is responsible for damages in these types of accidents can be complex. By breaking down the circumstances surrounding the police chase in which you were injured, we can determine who, if anyone, was at fault for your injuries and may owe you compensation.
When the Suspect Is Responsible
Suspects fleeing from police will not likely be wary of harming bystanders and others on the road as they try to escape. They may drive recklessly and take risks while on the road.
A fleeing suspect may be liable for your damages if they caused your accident due to:
- Violating a traffic law
- Reckless driving
- Excessive speeding
- Causing other vehicles to collide into yours
When Law Enforcement May Be Liable
Depending on the situation, it may be easy to prove that a police chase was necessary, especially when it comes to apprehending the suspects of a violent crime. With adherence to official protocols, proper training, and sound implementation of safety precautions, however, the numbers of police chases–and any damages that may inadvertently arise therefrom–can be limited.
However, even with these precautions and protocols in place, at the end of the day, police officers are still human, and people can make mistakes. There may have been information sharing errors that instigated a chase when one was not needed, or an officer may have misjudged the gravity of a situation and initiated a dangerous chase when one was not warranted.
Nobody is above the law, and in some jurisdictions, police officers may be liable for police chase damages in the following scenarios:
- They do not refrain from pursuing even if instructed to do so by a senior officer
- They discharge a weapon at a moving vehicle despite the absence of serious risks
- They accidentally kill or injure a pedestrian
There are a number of other parties that may be liable for police chase damages, such as those responsible for police training and enforcing police adherence to safety protocols, as well as supervising officers and others who could have or should have taken actions that may have prevented chase-related injuries or damages from happening.
Because every police chase case is unique, Morelli Law Firm recommends that you call to discuss your case in detail with a member of our team. A New York police chase lawyer from our firm may be able to investigate your case for negligence from any party involved. If we believe that there is evidence that another party is liable for your injuries, we can pursue them for compensation no matter who they are.
For a free consultation on your case, call us at (212) 751-9800.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Police Chases
Victims of police chase accidents may suffer from a variety of injuries, including:
- Amputations
- Permanent disabilities and paralysis
- Broken bones and bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Internal organ damage
- And more
These injuries can lead to substantial medical care costs and lost wages from missing work. The accident could also cause victims to experience trauma, pain and suffering, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If another party’s negligent actions caused your accident, you should not have to bear these costs yourself. You may be able to recover compensation for your current and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more in a personal injury lawsuit.
New York Police Chase Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Important Deadlines in Your Case
You may have to comply with tight deadlines after your New York police chase accident.
Per New York General Municipal (GMU) §50-E, if you are taking legal action against a police department or another public agency, you may be required to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident.
If you are instead filing a personal injury lawsuit against an individual or a non-government entity, a general three-year statute of limitations may apply to your case, per New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214.
Morelli Law Firm can discuss what specific deadlines may apply to your case when you call us for a free consultation.
Call Morelli Law Firm Today
Dealing with the police can be stressful enough without the added element of discussing compensation and damages you feel you are entitled to from them.
A New York police chase lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf when we represent you. We can also handle all deadlines, legal paperwork, and evidence gathering in your case while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
To get started on your case, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800. We may be able to handle your case on a contingency-fee-basis with no advanced payment required.