New York Police Chase Accident Lawyer

Have you been involved in a police chase accident in New York? If so, contact the experienced New York police chase accident lawyers at Morelli Law Firm.

A New York police car accident lawyer from our firm may be able to investigate your case to determine whether the police officers in question were negligent in any way in performing their duties and causing your injuries. 

If liable parties are responsible for your injuries, such as the driver who was fleeing the police, we may be able to take legal action against them instead. Contact us today to get your free legal consultation, and let us put our 40+ years of combined experience to work for you.

Consequences of Car Accidents Resulting from Police Chases in New York

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 car accidents in NY can be complex. By breaking down the circumstances surrounding the police chase in which you were injured, our New York personal injury lawyers 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
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Causing other motor vehicles to collide with yours

When Law Enforcement May the Liable Party

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 number 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, law enforcement 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 in a fatal accident

Determining Fault With the Help of a New York Police Chase Accident Attorney

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 NY. personal injury law team. 

A New York police chase accident 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 (like a police report or video footage), we can pursue them for compensation, no matter who they are.

Physical Injuries Commonly Seen in Police Chases

Police chases, while intended to apprehend suspects, can often result in accidents that cause a variety of injuries. These accidents may involve high speeds, sudden maneuvers, and collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects, leading to severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries. The following are common types of severe injuries that accident victims could need legal support for:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Chest injuries
• Abdominal injuries
• Fractures
• Lacerations and contusions
• Soft tissue injuries

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. Contact us for an initial consultation free of cost.

Recovering Maximum Compensation for Your Damages

If you are involved in a police chase accident, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages through a lawsuit. These damages can help cover the costs and losses incurred due to the accident and provide compensation for the pain and suffering experienced. The following are the common types of damages that can be recovered:

• Medical expenses: This covers costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical treatments.
• Lost wages: This is compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery and potential future earnings if the injury impacts long-term employment.
• Property damage: This covers costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering: This is compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life resulting from the accident.
• Loss of consortium: These are damages for the impact on a spouse or family member’s relationship due to the injuries sustained.
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence or misconduct, punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible parties and deter similar behavior in the future.

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.

At Morelli Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers can discuss what specific deadlines may apply to your case when you call us for a free consultation. We’re standing by to fight against responsible parties and insurance companies that want to offer a lowball settlement.

Call Morelli Law Firm Today to Speak With a New York Police Chase Accident Attorney

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 accident 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, contact Morelli Law Firm today. Our personal injury attorneys may be able to handle your case on a contingency fee basis with no advanced payment required.