Turn To Our Riverside County, CA Police Pursuit Accident Lawyer After To Assert Your Rights As An Innocent Victim
When police engage in high-speed pursuit of a fleeing criminal, it’s often innocent drivers who end up getting hurt. Officers are trained to weigh the possibility of apprehending the criminal against the possibility of innocent bystanders being harmed in the chase. Police chases often involve high-speed driving and, often, plenty of illegal actions on the part of the criminal. These chases can prove deadly. A recent report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics noted that an average of one person per day was killed in police-pursuit-related chases over 20 years. If you or someone you love was hurt in a police chase, you may have more rights than you know. Our Riverside County, CA police pursuit accident lawyer can explain your options for filing a civil action against the city or county.
When you work with Barry P. Goldberg, you can trust our attorneys to develop a strong case to support your claim for compensation. We offer a free consultation and encourage you to call us today.
Skilled Attorneys Determining Liability In Police Pursuit Injury Claims
Like any other personal injury claim, which is what a police pursuit injury suit is, a successful outcome rests on successfully proving that the other party was negligent. Police must carefully consider whether there are other ways to apprehend the suspect, aside from tearing through the 215 or State Route 62. When a police officer fails to properly consider the consequences of initiating a high-speed chase, or a police department or supervisor permits the officers to engage in hot pursuit without considering the effect on innocent bystanders, then that person or police department can be considered negligent, and therefore liable for your harm.
California law doesn’t exempt police officers from all responsibility for harm stemming from a high-speed chase. In fact, according to California Vehicle Code 17000, a public entity may be held liable for property damage, injury, or death if the officer acted with willful negligence. Emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks) may be exempt from civil liability, but police officers are still expected to exercise a reasonable duty of care when driving, even with lights and sirens on.
It’s not just the police officer or department who can be held liable for your injuries stemming from the chase. The liable party may be the suspect or suspects being pursued. While that individual may face criminal charges if apprehended, they can also be named a defendant in your civil suit. We evaluate your situation, using our decades of experience litigating in California civil court, and seek the input of expert witnesses to provide you with the best advice for your case.
Damages Available In A Hot Pursuit Accident Claim
You have the right to demand full and fair compensation for all material losses you suffered from the crash, including property damage, medical care, and lost wages for time missed at work. If you suffered temporary or permanent disability, we will seek compensation for that. You’re also entitled to non-material damages, including the pain and suffering and emotional trauma from the event. Barry P. Goldberg can help you secure a fair settlement. Contact us today for a consultation with a Riverside County police pursuit accident lawyer.