Police chases, although sometimes necessary, can lead to severe accidents causing significant injuries and even fatalities to innocent bystanders, motorists, and pedestrians.
The aftermath of such incidents can be legally complex and emotionally taxing for victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident resulting from a police chase, it is crucial to seek the counsel of a seasoned police chase accident lawyer in Augusta.
Being injured in a motor vehicle accident is difficult enough, but when a police chase plays a role, the circumstances become even more complicated. Speak with our car accident lawyers in Augusta at John Foy & Associates for advice on filing a claim against the police.
The Risks Associated With Police Chases
Police pursuits often involve high speeds and unpredictable driving. The risks associated with these chases are not only borne by the suspect and the police but also by the general public. They can result in catastrophic outcomes, including:
- Severe bodily injuries or fatalities
- Significant property damage
- Emotional and psychological trauma
When officers start a police chase, they must balance public safety against law enforcement objectives. However, accidents occur frequently during these cases. It’s up to people like our Augusta personal injury lawyers to hold the police and fleeing suspects accountable.
Get the strong arm
Are Police Immune From Liability?
The doctrine of sovereign immunity can sometimes protect law enforcement agencies from liability, making it difficult for victims to receive compensation. However, exceptions exist, and a skilled attorney can navigate these complexities to advocate effectively for your rights.
Proving liability in these cases requires examining whether police followed proper pursuit procedures. Some key liability factors include:
- The severity of the initial offense versus the hazards caused by the chase.
- Whether supervisors appropriately monitored the pursuit.
- If alternative methods like helicopters were available.
- If officers discontinued the chase once the risks outweighed the need for immediate apprehension.
If police policies were violated, the pursuing agency may share responsibility along with the fleeing suspect. You may have a claim against both the police and the fleeing suspect even if the suspect did not crash into you.
How an Augusta Police Chase Accident Lawyer Can Help
An experienced lawyer in this practice area can provide indispensable assistance by:
Investigating the Incident
A thorough investigation is critical to establishing the facts surrounding the accident. Your lawyer can gather evidence, such as police reports, video footage, witness statements, and expert testimonies, to build a robust case on your behalf.
Assessing Liability
Determining liability in police chase accidents is complex. While the fleeing suspect is typically held responsible, in some cases, the law enforcement officers involved in the chase may also bear liability if their actions were reckless or violated standard operating procedures.
Navigating the Legal System
The legal landscape involving police pursuits is complex thanks to qualified immunity laws. Your attorney will need to demonstrate that the actions of the police exceeded reasonable law enforcement procedures and directly contributed to the accident.
Advocating for Fair Compensation
Victims of police chase accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A skilled lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, litigate in court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Types of Damages Available in Police Accident Claims
Compensation aims to fairly remedy financial losses and pain/suffering due to another’s negligence. Damages from a police pursuit crash may cover:
- Medical bills: Both initial and long-term treatment costs are recoverable.
- Lost wages: Payment replaces money you can’t earn during recovery.
- Property damage: Vehicles, homes, or other property demolished.
- Pain and suffering: No dollar amount repairs harm done, but compensation aims to balance losses.
- Wrongful death: Dependents may recover damages for a life prematurely ended.
- Why Choose to Work With John Foy?
Our team at John Foy & Associates has extensive experience handling cases involving police chase accidents in Augusta. We are committed to advocating for the rights of accident victims and have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Our approach is characterized by:
- Personalized attention: Every case is unique, and we give personalized attention to each client to create the best strategy for their case.
- Aggressive advocacy: We are known for our tenacity in pursuing justice for our clients, whether at the negotiation table or in the courtroom.
- Resourcefulness: Our firm has access to top-notch investigative resources and expert witnesses to support your case.
- No fee unless we win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
Get Started With a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a police chase accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let our police chase accident attorneys in Augusta, GA, help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking justice and compensation.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve as soon as possible. You may have a limited amount of time to file your claim against the police.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form