Who is responsible when a police chase causes an accident could depend on whose negligence caused the collision. It could also depend on whether or not the collision violated your constitutional rights. You do not have to manage your case on your own or define which of these factors will drive your compensation request.
A car accident lawyer in Baltimore from our firm will investigate your accident, assess your recoverable damages, and fight for your financial recovery. We will also deal with the insurance company and handle the negotiation process. Our law firm will represent you at no upfront or out-of-pocket cost, and you will only compensate us when you recover damages.
The Municipality Might Be Liable for a Police Chase Accident
If a police officer’s actions violated your constitutional rights and you were harmed in a high-speed chase, you could be entitled to compensation from the police department or municipality. The Monell doctrine could allow you to recover damages if:
- A police or municipality policy or custom exists.
- The policy or custom in question was unconstitutional.
- The policy in question caused your accident.
A car accident attorney can assess your injury claim and evidence to affirm whether you can seek compensation with this type of action. They can also build a solid evidence collection that proves its required elements.
A Car Accident Attorney Will Prove a Constitutional Violation of Your Rights
Proving the elements that allow you to seek compensation for a car accident from a law enforcement department requires different evidence than a traditional car accident. This evidence is often difficult to obtain, but you do not need to handle this on your own.
Evidence could include copies of the department’s policies and testimony from police officers and law enforcement officials. A car accident attorney with experience handling these cases will collect the necessary evidence.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
How a Lawyer Proves the Suspect Driver’s Negligence Caused Your Accident
Negligence is the key that allows you to seek third-party compensation after an accident. Its elements (duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages) are proven with the evidence your legal team compiles, including:
- Medical records
- A copy of the accident report
- Injury photos
- Accident scene photos
- Accident reconstruction
- Witness statements
- Expert testimonials
Your evidence will be collected, sorted, and organized into a cohesive case file. It will be used to prove the cause and effect of the accident. Your lawyer will also use it to drive your claim toward a settlement rather than a potentially lengthy trial.
The Suspect Driver Could Be Held Liable for Your Financial Compensation
In many cases, the suspect driver, not the police department, will be responsible for compensating you. Your legal team will build a strong case that supports your compensation request.
Your lawyer will:
- Communicate with their insurance company
- Handle all case-related forms and documents
- Interview eyewitnesses and expert witnesses
- Clarify legal and insurance language and jargon
Your police chase crash attorney will also negotiate a settlement that will allow you to get the compensation you need and deserve. They can also help you streamline the financial recovery process.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Could Cover a Police Pursuit Car Accident
In some cases, especially involving stolen vehicles, there will not be an applicable insurance policy. This can be very frustrating, but you may have options.
Uninsured motorist coverage is a requirement in many states. UM insurance will cover all the damages you would have been able to recover from the at-fault driver if they had insurance/were not driving a stolen vehicle.
If you live in a no-fault state, you can also use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for your medical bills and lost wages.
Your car accident attorney from our firm will take on the insurance company for you. They will review your insurance coverage, document your recoverable damages, and file a claim according to the process outlined in your policy.
Recoverable Damages for Victims of High-Speed Police Chase Accidents
You can likely get the same compensation if you were hit by a police car that you could get for an accident when another passenger car. Recoverable damages can include:
- Economic compensation like past and future medical bills and income loss, future income loss, and property damage or total loss
- Non-economic compensation like lasting impairments and disfigurement, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, and diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages, such as funeral and burial losses, loss of your loved one’s income and domestic service, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium, guidance, and companionship
To ensure your compensation request is not undervalued or underpaid, your lawyer will collect bills, receipts, and other documents that support their monetary value.
File Your Car Accident Lawsuit in Your State Sooner Rather Than Later
Every state limits how long you have to file your lawsuit. If your lawsuit is not filed within the allotted time, you could be barred from filing it at all. The insurance company will stop negotiating, and you will be left with no further legal recourse.
For example, Maryland usually gives you:
- Three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101
- Three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, according to Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904
- One year to notify the Treasurer and three years to file your lawsuit against a municipality, according to Md. Code, Cts & Jud. Proc. § 12-106
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Get Help With Your Police Chase Accident
If you or a loved one was injured or suffered property damage in a car accident caused by a police chase, our law firm will help you identify the at-fault party. We will document the rights violation or negligence required to pursue compensation. Our car accident attorneys will also negotiate on your behalf.
Leave the hard work and details of your police pursuit personal injury claim to our law firm. Contact our evaluation team at Jenner Law to start pursuing financial recovery today.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form