Police chases are a common occurrence in the United States, with an estimated 3 million taking place each year. While these chases can be necessary to apprehend dangerous criminals, they also pose a significant risk to innocent bystanders. In fact, police chases are responsible for hundreds of deaths and injuries each year.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a police chase, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the police department or officer involved. Police chase lawsuits are complex and challenging, but they can be successful if you have a strong case.
What is a Police Chase Lawsuit?
A police chase lawsuit is a civil lawsuit that is filed against a police department or officer for injuries or damages caused by a police chase. Police chase lawsuits can be filed by anyone who is injured in a police chase, including the driver of the fleeing vehicle, innocent bystanders, and even police officers themselves.
Who Can File a Police Chase Lawsuit?
In general, anyone who is injured in a police chase can file a lawsuit against the police department or officer involved. This includes:
- The driver of the fleeing vehicle
- Innocent bystanders
- Pedestrians
- Passengers in other vehicles
- Police officers
What Are the Grounds for a Police Chase Lawsuit?
There are a number of different grounds on which a police chase lawsuit can be filed. Some of the most common grounds include:
- Negligent initiation of the pursuit
- Negligent continuation of the pursuit
- Failure to terminate the pursuit in a timely manner
- Failure to follow proper police chase procedures
- Use of excessive force
How to File a Police Chase Lawsuit
If you are considering filing a police chase lawsuit, the first step is to contact an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you to assess your case and determine whether you have a valid claim. If you do have a claim, your attorney will help you to file a lawsuit and represent you throughout the legal process.
Police Chase Lawsuit FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions about police chase lawsuits:
Q: What are the damages that I can recover in a police chase lawsuit?
A: The damages that you can recover in a police chase lawsuit will depend on the specific facts of your case. However, some of the common damages that can be recovered include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
Q: How long does it take to resolve a police chase lawsuit?
A: The length of time it takes to resolve a police chase lawsuit will also depend on the specific facts of your case. However, most police chase lawsuits take several months or even years to resolve.
Q: What are the chances of winning a police chase lawsuit?
A: The chances of winning a police chase lawsuit vary depending on the specific facts of your case. However, police chase lawsuits can be successful, especially if you have a strong case and an experienced attorney.
Q: What are some of the challenges of filing a police chase lawsuit?
A: One of the biggest challenges of filing a police chase lawsuit is that police departments are protected by sovereign immunity. This means that it can be difficult to sue a police department in court. Additionally, police chase lawsuits can be complex and time-consuming.
Q: What are some tips for filing a police chase lawsuit?
A: If you are considering filing a police chase lawsuit, here are a few tips:
- Contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
- Collect as much evidence as possible, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Be patient and persistent. Police chase lawsuits can be complex and time-consuming.
Q: What are some examples of successful police chase lawsuits?
A: There have been a number of successful police chase lawsuits in recent years. For example, in 2019, the family of a man who was killed in a police chase was awarded $20 million in damages. In 2021, a woman who was injured in a police chase was awarded $10 million in damages.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been injured in a police chase, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the police department or officer involved. Police chase lawsuits can be complex and challenging, but they can be successful if you have a strong case and an experienced attorney.
References
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-31/lapd-pursuit-police-shut-lights-off-only-5-seconds-before-crash
- Bureau of Justice Statistics: https://bjs.ojp.gov/taxonomy/term/pursuit
- National Institute of Justice: https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/police-pursuit-policies-and-training-research-brief
- [American Civil Liberties Union]([URL American Civil Liberties Union Police Pursuits