Liability - Police Chases
Recently in the news I have been seeing police car chases, where the end result is the perpetrator is caught and luckily for the drivers on the road no serious accidents involving innocent victims. But what would be the worst case scenario should a driver be injured in one of these police chases.
Recently there was a chase that began in Miami, with the suspect heading north on the I-95, where he exited somewhere in North Miami where the chase ensued through a busy neighborhood he ran traffic lights, four way stops all the time narrowly missing unassuming drivers on the road who was totally unaware of the danger that they may have just narrowly missed. The suspect eventually abandoned his vehicle and continued on foot running into an apartment where he was eventually held by the police.
For arguments sake let’s say that a driver gets caught up in the chase and injured, with injuries serious enough for the driver to be hospitalized. What would be the liability issues, who would be responsible for the driver’s damages etc. As we have seen in some states a “vehicle pursuit policy” has been adopted by Police departments which allows the agency not to be held responsible or liable. The policy covers the following:- any civil damages for personal injury to; death of any person or damage to property resulting from the accident of a vehicle being operated by an actual or suspected violator of the law who is being, has been, or believes he of she is being or has been pursued in a motor vehicle by a peace officer employed by the public entity.
As a Fort Lauderdale Attorney practicing Personal and Accident Injury law in Broward and Miami-Dade County for more than 10 years, we always advise first and foremost after calling 911 and seeking medical attention if required you should seek legal advice or counsel from and experienced attorney should you decide to file claim. Should you or a loved one find yourself in need of an experienced Accident Injury attorney, we have offices located in Fort Lauderdale, and throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and West Palm Beach. Contact us at 954 431 8100 or 305 614 9186 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
