Police chases are inherently dangerous and can lead to devastating car accidents, causing significant injuries or even fatalities to innocent bystanders. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a police pursuit accident in Georgia, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options.
An experienced Atlanta police chase accident lawyer at GMV Law Group can help you seek compensation for your losses. Call our Atlanta car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Georgia Laws for Police Chases
Georgia law permits police chases under specific circumstances, but there are strict regulations in place to protect public safety. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-6 outlines guidelines police officers must follow when pursuing fleeing suspects. These rules include:
- Police can exceed maximum speed limits if it won’t “endanger life or property.”
- Law enforcement vehicles can break standard traffic laws when using a siren and a flashing or revolving light.
- Law enforcement vehicles must slow down and determine whether it is reasonably safe before running a red light or stop sign.
Police officers are required to exercise “due regard” for the safety of all persons while conducting a pursuit. This means they must balance the need to apprehend a fleeing suspect with the potential danger the chase poses to innocent drivers and pedestrians.
Violating these regulations can lead to the police officer or the police department being held liable for a car accident.
When Is a Police Officer Liable for Causing Injuries in a Pursuit?
In most cases, government agencies are protected from lawsuits by sovereign immunity. This means that a law enforcement officer usually can’t be sued for a police chase car crash if they are acting within the scope of their duties.
However, police officers and police departments can be held liable for causing a car accident if they fail to follow established protocols during a police pursuit. For example, if a police officer recklessly runs a red light during a high-speed chase without checking that it’s safe, the officer and the department may be considered at fault.
Liability may also extend to situations where the police chase was unnecessary or the fleeing driver posed no immediate threat to public safety. In these cases, innocent bystanders, other drivers, and pedestrians injured in the pursuit may have grounds to file a claim against the responsible party.
How an Atlanta Police Chase Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the legal complexities of a police chase accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with government agencies and law enforcement officers. An Atlanta police chase accident lawyer from GMV Law Group can provide invaluable assistance.
Building a Case
Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the police chase accident. This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, video footage from police cruisers and nearby surveillance cameras, and witness statements to establish the facts and determine fault.
Whether the police officer or fleeing driver is at fault, a police chase lawyer will build a robust case against the liable party.
Maximizing Your Damages
We understand the full scope of financial and emotional damages that police chase accidents can cause. Our team will work to ensure you recover compensation for all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Settlement Negotiation
Dealing with insurance companies and government agencies can be challenging. Our lawyers will diligently negotiate with the insurance company and the at-fault party to secure a just settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Representation in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in personal injury claims and will fight to secure the maximum compensation.
Types of Compensation Victims Can Recover
Victims of police chase accidents can recover various types of compensation, depending on the extent of their injuries and damages. These may include:
- Medical Bills: Compensation for past and future medical expenses related to the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription medications.
- Lost Income: Reimbursement for wages lost due to the inability to work after the accident, as well as compensation for any diminished earning capacity if the injuries have a long-term impact on your ability to earn.
- Property Damage: Payment for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Wrongful Death Claim: If a police chase accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for burial expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
FAQs
What If the Fleeing Driver Is Responsible?
If the suspect is at fault for a police chase accident, you have the right to seek compensation. But things can be complicated. The suspect may have stolen a car before fleeing from police. Many insurance policies won’t pay for car accidents involving a stolen vehicle.
Many suspects in high-speed pursuits are uninsured or underinsured. If the fleeing driver is uninsured, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Your own insurance policy might include uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Additionally, if the police department is found liable due to negligence during the pursuit, you could potentially seek damages from them.
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and pursue justice.
Can I Sue the Police Department for a Car Accident?
Pursuing a claim against a police department for a car accident can be complex. Generally, government agencies are protected from lawsuits by sovereign immunity.
However, if a law enforcement officer acted recklessly or failed to follow established procedures during a police pursuit, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. It’s crucial to gather evidence, such as witness statements and video footage, to support your case.
An Atlanta police chase accident lawyer can help clarify your legal options.
What Is the Deadline for a Police Chase Car Accident Lawsuit?
Under Georgia’s statute of limitations, you typically have two years after a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the time limit is different for a case against a government agency.
You may have only six months to take legal action against a city agency like the Atlanta Police Department (O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5). If a county sheriff or state highway patrol vehicle caused the crash, a 12-month deadline might apply to your case (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26).
Given these time-sensitive requirements, it’s essential to consult with an experienced Atlanta police chase accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all legal deadlines are met.
Why Choose GMV Law Group?
At GMV Law Group, we are committed to helping police car crash victims in Atlanta seek justice and recover the compensation they deserve. Our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers has extensive experience handling car accident cases and understands the unique challenges that police chase injuries can present.
Here are some reasons to trust GMV Law Group:
- Track Record of Success: Our law firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients.
- Aggressive Representation: We are fierce advocates for our clients and will fight to ensure law enforcement officers and police departments are held responsible.
- Free Case Evaluation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You only pay if we win your case.
Client satisfaction is our priority. We pride ourselves on our client testimonials, which reflect our dedication and results-driven approach. We believe in building strong relationships with our clients, providing support and clear communication throughout the legal process.
Contact an Atlanta Police Chase Lawyer for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Atlanta police chase, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact GMV Law Group today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
Police chases can have devastating consequences for innocent members of the public, and those affected deserve justice. Let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Call us now for your free legal consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in your police chase car accident case.
