What Happens if You Get in a Car Accident With a Police Officer?

In most states, police officers and other emergency responders may only be exempt from traffic laws in certain circumstances. Specifically, cops may be allowed to disobey road laws if they:

• Pursue a criminal suspect
• Respond to an emergency
• Display sirens and lights

However, cops must not violate road laws without reason. If a law enforcement officer drives recklessly and causes a crash without responding to an emergency or chasing a criminal, they could be liable for damages.

As previously mentioned, the time to initiate a legal claim against a government agency or employee can be prohibitively short. In some states, you must file a notice to the relevant government agency before you are allowed to file a lawsuit. Such notices typically include:

• Your name and contact information
• A description of the accident
• Time and place of the crash
• Details of damages and a request for compensation

The responsible government agency should contact you and let you know whether your claim is granted or refused. If the agency denies your claim, you usually have the right to file a lawsuit for damages.

However, since this process differs from state to state, you should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after getting into an accident with a police officer. Having a determined attorney in your corner can protect your rights and ensure you follow the correct steps. Making a mistake while filing your claim could make it impossible to recover compensation.

A close family member of an individual killed in a police officer-involved crash could file a wrongful death lawsuit and hold a public entity liable for damages. We understand that no compensation can bring back your loved one or turn back the time. However, receiving damages can help families avoid financial chaos after the death of their loved one. Compensation available can vary according to your state laws. However, you could receive:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of income the decedent would have earned
• Loss of services the deceased individual would have provided
• Medical expenses before death
• Loss of consortium

If you believe you have a case, Morgan & Morgan could help you file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible entity and receive compensation.

As we have seen, collisions involving police officers are typically more complex and convoluted than regular car accident cases. Claims or lawsuits involving local and state government employees can be lengthy and involve a different legal process than ordinary personal injury cases. Moreover, handling your claim on your own can be frustrating, as you may get conflicting answers from government agencies.

Unfortunately, making a minor mistake with your claim or missing your deadline for filing suit could prohibit you from recovering compensation. Moreover, if you are still recovering, dealing with government bureaucracy can be a considerable burden when you should be concentrating on healing. Involving a seasoned car accident attorney from the beginning of your claim can cut down on stress and give you the best chance to receive the settlement you need and deserve.

Filing a lawsuit against a police department or another public entity can be full of pitfalls for claimants. There are additional deadlines and stringent rules to observe. However, our attorneys know how to sue the government and could help you get what you deserve if a police officer hits your car. We could handle your injury claim from start to finish while you can concentrate on your health and recovery. Some ways in which we can help you and progress your case include:  

• Ensure you receive adequate medical help
• Gather and organize the critical evidence for your claim
• Prove your damages
• Liaise with your medical providers to obtain records proving your injuries
• Show a police officer’s negligence or recklessness
• Negotiate an adequate out-of-court settlement
• Hire investigators and expert witnesses to strengthen your claim
• File a lawsuit if necessary
• Present your case powerfully at trial

You Only Pay if We Win

Unlike some other law firms, we never charge our clients a dime upfront. When we take your accident case, you are not incurring any financial risks. We only get paid if and when we win, and you receive compensation.

Size Matters

As America’s largest personal injury firm, we have the resources and stamina to take on police departments and other public entities. Our experienced trial attorneys can leave no stone unturned in fighting for the payout you deserve, if necessary, at trial. Having recovered more than $20 billion in damages for our clients, Morgan & Morgan’s results speak for themselves.

There is no average settlement for any car accident claim, as what you can receive will depend on your crash’s unique facts and circumstances. However, some factors that  can determine the amount of your settlement include:

• The scope and severity of your injuries
• The costs of your medical treatments and future expected healthcare expenses
• Any income loss and future loss of wages due to your accident injuries
• The amount of your pain and suffering
• The extent of any emotional trauma from the accident
• The degree of fault of the police officer
• Whether you are experiencing reduced life quality due to your injury

In addition to your damages, there can also be other considerations in claims against the government. In some states, damages against public entities are capped. Therefore, there could be a maximum amount you can recover, regardless of whether your damages exceed the cap. Either way, a motivated attorney can give you the best shot at getting the settlement you need to pay your bills and move on with your life after a crash.

Getting hurt in an accident with a police officer can feel confusing and intimidating. Victims may believe that they are unable to claim compensation from a police department. However, if a government employee negligently caused your injuries and damages, you should not be burdened with the costs. Morgan & Morgan has your back. Our experienced and tenacious car accident lawyers can handle even challenging claims and help victims receive the compensation to which they are entitled. However, in claims against the government, time is of the essence. Therefore, don’t delay and contact us now to determine your next best steps.