Sometimes, police officers in Cartersville will decide it’s necessary to chase a suspect. Unfortunately, innocent victims are at risk when this happens. If police are not careful, many bystanders can become injured. If you or a loved one suffered injuries, talk to a Cartersville car accident lawyer today.
You might be entitled to compensation for your costs. At John Foy & Associates, we can determine who is liable for the accident. We’ll help you seek financial recovery.
With 20-plus years of experience, we know what it takes to win. We’re not afraid to fight for your rights. To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Liability in Police Chase Accidents
Some accidents in Cartersville are straightforward:
- If one driver’s negligence causes your accident, that driver is at fault.
- As the injury victim, you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver.
- If the driver has insurance, you can file a personal injury claim.
Police chase accidents are more complicated than this. There are more moving parts. For example, you might consider filing a claim with the criminal driver’s insurance. However, there’s no guarantee the driver has adequate insurance or assets.
Sometimes, the police are negligent for a chase-related accident. But bringing a personal injury claim against Cartersville police is more challenging. Filing a case against a government entity has more rules.
Police Duties in Cartersville
Police officers must follow specific policies while working. However, officers tend to have more freedom when pursuing a criminal driver. Officers can ignore specific laws when they are chasing a suspect.
Police officers must also keep the public safe. If an officer causes harm during their shift, they could be liable.
Filing with Your Own Insurance Company
In some cases, you can turn to your own insurer for help. For example, you can file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim if the suspect has no insurance.
Filing a claim for a police chase accident is challenging. After your accident, contact a car accident lawyer for help.
Your lawyer will examine your case so that you know your options. An experienced lawyer will also make sure the insurance companies treat you fairly.
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Georgia Law on Police Chases
According to Georgia Code §35-1-14, each law enforcement agency can adopt its own policies for pursuits. Or, the agency can assume an existing model for chases. The law must also account for police chases that cross into different cities, counties, or states.
Police in Atlanta began a no-chase policy in January 2020. The department said chases brought too much risk to officers and the public. However, other city departments in Georgia will have different systems.
If you suffer injuries from a police chase, talk to a lawyer in your area. They will have the most updated information on police pursuit policies.
Police Privileges for Chases
Georgia Code §40-6-6 details what a police vehicle can do “when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law”:
- Park or stand
- Run a red light or stop sign (after slowing down as necessary for safety)
- Go over the speed limit (as long as they do not endanger life or property)
- Disregard laws about traffic directions or turning
Also, a police officer usually cannot be liable for injuries, deaths, or property damage during a chase. However, there are exceptions if the officer had “reckless disregard” for police procedures.
For example, the officer could be liable if they were reckless when starting or continuing the chase.
Your Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
As you might see, police chase accidents are complex. If you suffered injuries in this way, don’t try to handle your case alone. Get an experienced lawyer on your side as soon as possible.
An attorney will help determine who is responsible for the crash. They’ll investigate the chase to see what happened. Your lawyer will work to prove the at-fault party’s fault.
To learn more, contact John Foy & Associates. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. If you hire us, there is no fee unless we win your case.
Injuries in High-Speed Police Pursuits
Police chases often lead to the worst injuries. Victims can suffer long-term consequences from the accident. Many police chase victims were pedestrians.
Injuries we’ve seen include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Other head injuries
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Amputations
Sadly, many high-speed accidents cause wrongful deaths. If you lost a loved one, you might have a case. Talk to a lawyer today about filing a wrongful death claim.
Police chase injuries can affect a victim’s entire life. They might have months or years of treatment—some injuries cause long-term disabilities. The victim might be unable to work as they could before.
Accident Damages You Might Recover in Cartersville
If you suffered injuries in a police chase accident, you have rights. Your injury claim should detail all of your damages. By damages, we mean losses you face from the accident like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
An experienced lawyer will help you seek compensation. They’ll consider all of your current and future damages. The goal is to get you the fullest financial recovery possible.
Don’t Miss the Statute of Limitations
In Georgia, you have a limited time after a police chase accident in which to file a claim. For most car accidents, you have two years to file a claim. However, the statute of limitations is much shorter if the police were at fault.
The deadline for a lawsuit against the government is usually six months. Plus, you must provide written notice of your intent to sue.
Contact a lawyer immediately to make sure you file within the deadline. Otherwise, you could miss your chance for any compensation.
Speak with a Cartersville Car Accident Caused by Police Chase Lawyer for Free Today
Police chase cases are some of the most challenging. But that does not mean you cannot hold the negligent party responsible. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll help you take action.
Police must think rationally before starting a chase. Also, officers must follow policy. If you suffered injuries from a police chase, you have rights.
Contact John Foy & Associates for the justice you deserve. We’ll examine your case and your options.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
