If a driver in Johns Creek does not pull over for the police, officers may begin a police chase. While a chase may be successful in eventually catching the perpetrator, other people can become injured in the process. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a chase, it’s best to contact a Johns Creek car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Our attorneys are John Foy & Associates are here to help. We have been helping accident victims, including those injured in police chases, for over 20 years. We can help you identify the responsible party, calculate your damages, and file a claim for compensation.
To get a FREE consultation and discuss your best legal options, contact us today. We do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk to you. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation.
Police Chases Put Other Drivers at Risk in Johns Creek
Police chases can be unpredictable since officers cannot fully control the driver’s actions. Even when officers have the best of intentions and maintain safety measures, there is always a risk of other people getting injured or killed. Our personal injury lawyers in Johns Creek fight to protect the rights of those hurt by someone else’s negligence.
Victims of a police chase in Johns Creek can include
- Other drivers
- Passengers
- Bicyclists
- Motorcyclists
- Pedestrians
Head-on crashes, rear-end collisions, side-swipe accidents, rollovers, and other types of collisions can occur during a police chase. The results can be devastating, causing serious or fatal injuries. Victims and their families are left asking whether or not the chase was actually necessary based on the damages.
If you or someone you love was injured during a police chase, you should not have to pay for the driver’s or police officer’s mistakes. A Johns Creek police chase lawyer can help you pursue legal action to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
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Police Chase Statistics
According to data provided by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), state and local police agencies performed around 68,000 chases in 2012. An average of one person per day (355 total people) was killed each year in police chases from 1996 to 2015.
While all state and highway patrol agencies and almost all local law enforcement offices had a written police chase policy in 2013, a very small percentage of local police and sheriff’s offices (four and ten percent, respectively) had no written policy on police chases. In 2020, Atlanta began a zero-chase policy, but other departments throughout Georgia still conduct chases.
There are clearly questions surrounding the necessity and ethics of police chases in Georgia. What we know for sure is that no one should have to suffer because of another person’s poor choices. That’s why, if you were hurt during a chase that you did not cause, we encourage you to speak with a police chase lawyer who can look at your compensation options.
Injuries that Result from Police Chases in Johns Creek
The aftermath of a police chase can include any type of injury. Some of the most common injuries we’ve seen from high-speed chases include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
- Loss of limb
- Neck and shoulder injuries
Serious accident injuries can lead to disabilities that impact victims for the rest of their lives. A simple drive, bicycle ride, or walk can turn into a nightmare.
No matter how serious your injuries were, if you were hurt during a police chase, you may be entitled to financial recovery. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as you can and speak with a police chase lawyer right away.
How to Know Who Is Responsible for Police Chase Injuries
To pursue compensation after a car accident, you must know who was responsible for the accident. Was the driver who caused the pursuit, the police officer pursuing the driver, or both at fault for the accident damages?
The driver likely acted in a way that caused an officer to pursue them (such as refusing to pull over). However, there are situations where a police department may bear some fault. Police departments should have certain guidelines in place for pursuits, including when they should (and should not) be conducted and how they should happen.
When building your case, your lawyer will examine how the chase started, how it was conducted, and who was negligent in the process. According to Georgia Code § 40-6-6, a police department can only be held responsible for the consequences of a police chase if they showed “reckless disregard for proper law enforcement procedures” during the process.
Damages You Can Claim from a Police Chase in Johns Creek
Injuries from a police chase can leave you with:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one who was injured during a police chase, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. Only certain family members are able to do this, so it’s best to speak with a Johns Creek police chase lawyer about your options.
Your lawyer can determine the full extent of your injuries and damages from the police chase accident. This will give you a good idea of the compensation you’re entitled to receive and how you can bring a claim to pursue it.
Get a Free Consultation with a Johns Creek Police Chase Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20 plus years of experience helping injury victims win the compensation they deserve after an accident. This includes injuries and other damages that were suffered as an innocent bystander during a police chase.
The process of working with us is risk-free because we do not charge you a fee unless we win you money. Plus, the consultation is always FREE of charge to you. To schedule your FREE consultation and get matched with the best police chase lawyer for your needs, call us or contact us online today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
