Macon
Police Chase Accident Lawyer

We expect police to watch how they drive, but sometimes,s police must break traffic laws to apprehend a suspect. These police chases can cause crashes with innocent bystanders. A Macon car accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates could help you get compensation from the police.

While the police have many legal protections, they’re not completely immune to liability. Our police chase accident lawyers in Macon can explain your legal rights and how you could proceed with suing those who harmed you.

Here’s what you need to know about police chase accidents and how you could get compensation after one.

What to Do After a Police Chase Accident

If you have not sought medical attention for your injuries, do so immediately. Some injuries won’t appear until later, and delaying medical attention can keep you from getting full compensation. Follow your doctor’s instructions for care.

The police will likely speak to you at the crash scene or the hospital. The officers who hit you will have to call in additional officers to take down statements about what happened. Be sure to find out how to get a copy of the police report for later.

Once you’ve recovered enough to talk with someone, it’s time to speak with a Macon personal injury lawyer at John Foy & Associates. Since you were in a crash with a government entity, your time to start a lawsuit is greatly shortened. We can notify the police of your lawsuit before the deadline if you act now.

Time Limit for Notifying Police of a Lawsuit

In Georgia, before suing a government agency, you must first file an ante litem notice, which is a formal notice of your intent to file a lawsuit. The specific time limits for filing this notice depend on the type of government entity involved:

• State Government: If you plan to sue the state government or any of its departments or agencies, you must file an ante litem notice within 12 months of the crash.
• Local Government (Counties and Cities): For lawsuits against a county or city government, the ante litem notice must typically be filed within six months of the date of the incident.

These notices must include specific information about the claim, such as the nature of the loss, the time and place of the event, and the amount of loss claimed. These notices allow the government to investigate the claims and potentially settle them.

It’s essential to adhere strictly to these deadlines and requirements, as failing to do so can permanently bar your claim. Given the procedural nuances and strict deadlines, we strongly recommend consulting with a police chase accident attorney in Macon with experience in government claims.

Are Police Liable for Police Chase Accidents?

Sometimes. The police often have qualified immunity that protects them from many lawsuits. Some exceptions allow the public to sue the police after a crash. These include when they act with a reckless disregard for public safety or gross negligence.

Police departments have policies on when they can start a chase, how to do it, and when they have to call it off for safety. If we can determine if the officer who hit you broke the rules, you may have a valid compensation claim.

Let a police chase accident lawyer in Macon, GA figure out if the police are liable. You’re probably recovering from injuries, and a lawyer will know what to look for and the legal authority to get evidence for your case.

Can I Get Compensation if the Police Aren’t Liable?

It is possible because the fleeing criminal may share liability in the accident. However, getting their insurance information to make a claim can be hard. The police may have information about the suspect that may help us discover whose insurance policy was on the fleeing vehicle.

You may also have uninsured motorist coverage on your vehicle. This may cover some of your damages after an accident, but whether it will be enough will depend on your policy and circumstances.

Evidence That Could Prove Police Liability

In a police chase accident case, carefully gathering evidence is essential. Photos of the accident scene, medical records of your injuries, and witness statements can all help prove how the crash occurred and the extent of your injuries.

We will obtain the police report through public records requests. However, these reports sometimes omit details that may show recklessness or negligence. Speaking with eyewitnesses who observed the chase can provide a more complete picture of the officer’s actions. 

Vehicle data recorders and dashcam footage from police cruisers also frequently hold important evidence. If the fleeing suspect’s identity is known, gathering their driving record and prior convictions may demonstrate how risky continuing pursuit was. 

Pursuing Maximum Compensation With John Foy

If our investigation finds the police department or fleeing driver was legally responsible for causing your accident injuries, we’ll file suit in court. The goal is to get you full and fair compensation for all damages suffered.

We will seek recovery of all costs permitted under Georgia law. If liability is clear, many cases will be settled before trial. However, we are prepared to take cases to court if needed to achieve the most advantageous resolution possible.

You pay nothing unless we obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor. And there is no risk because attorney fees come solely from monetary awards. Contact John Foy & Associates now for a free consultation.