When law enforcement pursues someone, it can create a highly dangerous situation for other motorists, bystanders, and pedestrians. Although police officers are supposed to follow certain safe practices when in a pursuit, sometimes things happen quickly, or they ignore the rules.
If you have been hurt in an accident that happened because of a police chase in Philadelphia, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
It is important that you keep the state’s statute of limitations deadline in mind if you intend to seek legal action after a police chase-related accident. Per 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524, you have two years to bring forth a civil action in a police-related accident.
If you miss this deadline, you likely will not be able to file legal action to compensate you for your injuries and damages.
Figuring out your legal rights and the best way to recover compensation after a police chase can be overwhelming. It can feel intimidating to bring a claim against law enforcement, too. But you should not have to deal with the consequences of their actions by yourself.
To find out whether a Philadelphia police chase lawyer can help you, call Morelli Law Firm for a free consultation about your case (212) 751-9800.
Police Officers Have a Duty to Be Careful
Because of the high speeds that police chases involve, the injuries that happen are often severe and life-altering.
To reduce some of the damage that happens during police chases, many states, including Pennsylvania, have enacted laws to protect injured parties.
According to 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 6342, police officers in Pennsylvania have to use some safety measures when they are engaging in pursuit. This policy must be documented in writing and evaluate several factors regarding when it is appropriate to engage in a police pursuit and when it is not.
Some of these considerations include:
- The potential for harm or danger to others if the fleeing individual escapes
- The seriousness of the alleged offense that the person committed
- Safety factors that pose a potential risk to officers and bystanders
If the police failed to abide by this law, then they have acted carelessly. Your lawyer can help you look into the police department’s policies to determine whether they enacted a policy and followed it.
There are many reasons why police chases are incredibly dangerous and lead to severe accidents. It is not only the police who create a risk of danger but the individual who attempts to flee, too.
A lawyer can advise you on whether you can take legal action against the party who was in pursuit during the police chase.
A free consultation with Morelli Law Firm is a convenient and hassle-free way to find out whether you have a right to financial support after a police chase accident. There is no obligation to proceed after speaking with us, so you have nothing to lose. Call us now at (212) 751-9800.
Damages and Compensation in a Police Chase Crash
Calculating the amount of compensation that you are owed is one of the most important tasks in your lawsuit. You only have one opportunity to ask for compensation after the crash, so you do not want to leave out any expense.
Working with a Philadelphia police chase accident lawyer can help ensure that you cover your bases. There are many different expenses that can pop up after a crash, and you can seek to recover damages for them. They include:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical care costs
- Rehabilitation
- Medications
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- In-home care support
- Property damage
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
The more severe your injuries are, the more likely it is that you will require financial support well into the future.
A few common types of injuries that result from high-speed accidents or aggressive driving accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Deep bruises
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Amputations
- Fatalities
It is important for you to see a doctor as soon as possible to get a full evaluation. This will ensure that you are treated for your injuries and create a record of the harm that you suffered due to the chase.
If your injuries left you with permanent disabilities that make it difficult for you to go about your daily business, for example, then you will need to seek compensation for in-home care support.
Your lawyer can help you find expert witnesses to testify about the estimated cost of this service and other expenses you must continue to pay for your recovery.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If you lost a loved one as the result of a police chase, then you can bring a wrongful death action on their behalf. This type of lawsuit is meant to compensate your family for the expenses that result from the accident, as well as the pain of losing a loved one. If you are considering filing a wrongful death action in a police-related accident, you also have two years to do it under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524.
Philadelphia Police Chases Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Call Morelli Law Firm Today for Help with Your Case
There are many factors worth considering after a police chase accident, such as the location, the reason the crash happened, and whether the officer was using good judgment. A Philadelphia police chase accident lawyer on our legal team can review your claim, gather evidence, interview accident witnesses, and figure out whether you are entitled to compensation.
A lawyer from our firm can also handle all paperwork for your case and represent you in all legal proceedings in your case. We can handle all communications with involved parties and explain how the state laws apply to your police chase accident case as well as all developments in your case.
We also know the importance of filing your legal action by the two-year deadline mentioned above. Call Morelli Law Firm now at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation to learn more about how a lawyer can help you navigate your case.