Representing Innocent Victims Injured in Police Chase Accidents
If you’ve been hurt in a police chase accident, we at Premier Law Group want to help you navigate your situation. We want to help get you full and fair compensation and experience the best possible outcome.
Police Chase Accident Statistics
While some police chases involve violent criminals, most involve non-violent individuals who only commit minor crimes. And though Washington State police are professionals and able to handle these situations, things can still go wrong.
- Bystanders and passengers account for nearly half of all the deaths resulting from police pursuits from 1979 through 2013
- Upward of 5,000 bystanders and passengers have been killed due to police car chases since 1979
- At least 11,506 people – 6,300 of which were fleeing suspects – were killed in police chases from 1979 through 2013
Injuries and Damages Associated with High-Speed Accidents
High-speed chases often result in terrible long-term injuries. Moreover, victims are usually on foot, while these cars travel at very high speeds. Some of the injuries victims may experience are:
- Burns
- Loss of limbs
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Wrongful death
When police chase accidents result in injuries, you’ll need medical treatment for months or even years. However, individuals suffering from injuries may be able to claim compensation for those injuries.
Who is Liable in a Police Chase Accident?
The Police
Police officers must abide by the standard of care expected of all Washington drivers, even during a high speed chase. As such, the police can face legal consequences for high speed chases that result in accidents.
According to the Seattle Police Department Manual, officers should not pursue a suspect:
- Without an articulable justification for the chase.
- Without regard for public safety.
- While driving an unmarked vehicle.
- Without using emergency lights and sirens.
- For traffic violations, misdemeanors, property crimes, or the act of eluding alone.
However, filing a personal injury claim against the police is complex. The police are a government entity and are given a lot of freedom while on duty. For instance, they are allowed to travel at high speeds and run red lights in pursuit of a criminal.
On the other hand, the police also have a responsibility to protect civilians, especially while on the job. As a result, they can be held liable when they fail to do so and their actions result in harm. Therefore, having an attorney on your side will help make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
The Driver Being Chased
Additionally, when the person evading police is responsible for an accident, they can be held responsible for your injuries. Therefore, you can file personal injury claims against private citizens when negligence or improper care injures someone else. However, you are unlikely to receive compensation in this way. There is no guarantee the person fleeing has good insurance to cover your damages.
Your Own Insurance Company
Furthermore, another option is to file a claim with your own insurance company. It will take legal know-how to get your insurer to cover a police chase accident, but we at Premier Law Group can help you navigate your situation and get the best possible outcome.
How A Seattle Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you have injuries from a police chase accident, a trusted Seattle car accident lawyer should assist with your injury claim. Furthermore, the right attorney will enable you to access the resources you need to make the best possible recovery. At Premier Law Group, we will handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company while you focus on recovering.
Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible but you deserve full and fair compensation.
You don’t have to navigate filing a claim all on your own. Our lawyers can assist you by negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf or representing you in court.
Not to mention, additional supports we may provide are:
- Gathering evidence to prove liability.
- Building a case and strategy based on the details of your situation.
- Pursuing compensation on your behalf.
- Communicating with insurance companies.
Contact A Dedicated Car Accident Attorney
There are a number of advantages to hiring someone as soon as possible. For example, the right attorney will help protect your health, emotional well-being, and finances, and provide you with useful resources.
At Premier Law Group, we want to ensure that we inform everyone who contacts us about their legal options – whether we end up representing them or not.
Contact Premier Law Group to start your FREE case review regarding a police chase accident. Call 206.285.1743 today and we would be more than happy to speak with you!