According to a research study done by USA Today, Chicago has the unfortunate distinction of leading the country in injuries or deaths related to police pursuits. That study indicated that over 5,000 passengers and bystanders died in police car chases since 1979, and tens of thousands suffered injuries as police officers pursue drivers at high speeds in hazardous pursuit. In Chicago alone, in the past 10 years, 108 people died and 216 suffered injuries relating to police chases in the city. Unfortunately, many of those injured due to police chases are not the original party in pursuit by the police, but innocent bystanders or motorists.
If you suffered injuries due to the negligence of others related to a police car chase, consider how a Chicago police chase lawyer at Pintas and Mullins Law Firm can help you with your case. Call (800) 794-0444 today for a free case evaluation.
Injuries Involved in Police Chases
Police officers in Chicago often have to make split-second decisions regarding the safety and well-being of the public. Unfortunately, giving chase to alleged assailants can result in serious injuries and harm to innocent drivers and pedestrians. Some of the types of injuries resulting from high-speed police chases result in catastrophic injuries, as the vehicles travel at high rates of speed resulting in a devastating impact to innocent victims. Some of the types of injuries suffered from police chases include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken or fractured bones
- Amputations
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Aortic dissection (heart damage due to the impact from a seat belt or airbag)
- Neck and back injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
Liability in Police Chases
If you, or someone you love suffered injuries related to a police chase as an innocent bystander or driver, you may have the legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Police officers are government officials and have the responsibility to act in the public interest. If they make decisions that injure an innocent person due to their negligence, then that person has the legal right to pursue a settlement from the police for their injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a Police Chase Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Filing a Claim Against a Government Entity
If you suffered injuries as a result of a Chicago police chase, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. However, filing a claim against a government entity is much different than filing a claim against a private citizen. As a general rule, government entities have immunity regarding many civil lawsuits, however, if the government (or a government official such as a police officer) directly harmed another person due to negligence, the victim has the right under the law to file a claim. An investigation into your accident will ultimately determine whether the police actions in your police chase included any of the following:
- Whether the police chose to pursue a suspect where the risk to innocent lives outweighed the reward (For example, the driver of the vehicle that the police chased simply ran a red light or was in violation of a very minor infraction of the law).
- Whether the police failed to stop the pursuit of the suspect, even when directly instructed to stop the police chase by a supervisor.
- Whether the police fired weapons at a moving vehicle with innocent bystanders or motorists present.
- Whether the police chase led to an injury or death of an innocent bystander or innocent motorist.
Filing a claim against a government entity involves a different set of paperwork and different deadlines, such as those provided on the City of Chicago’s website. Law enforcement has wide discretion with respect to how they handle their duties, and police officers often must make decisions in high-risk situations. However, if a police officer failed to follow any internal organization guidelines or protocols, or any federal or state laws, you may have the legal standing to file a claim and receive compensation due to the fact that they negligently endangered the public. These cases are typically complex and legally challenging to pursue, as government officials often have several protections inherent within their job description to insulate them from liability from civil lawsuits.
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Filing a Claim Against Other Parties
Depending on the specifics of the police chase that injured you, you may have the legal right to file a claim against the suspect that was fleeing from the police. Their behavior directly caused the high-speed chase and resulting car accident involving your vehicle. However, realistically, the suspect that was the subject of the high-speed police chase may not have insurance or an ability to compensate you for your injuries.
It is important to note that you may also have the ability to file a claim with your own insurance company, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. If you suffered injuries following a Chicago police chase, contact our office today to learn how a Chicago police chase lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help you file a claim against the government for your injuries and losses.
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Consider How a Chicago Police Chase Lawyer Can Help You
If you suffered injuries due to a Chicago police chase, you may have significant medical bills, property damage to your vehicle, the inability to return to work due to your injuries and pain and suffering. You may have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and losses if your injuries resulted from the negligent actions of a police officer during a police chase. If your loved one died due to their injuries suffered from a police chase, you have the legal right to pursue justice on their behalf through a wrongful death claim. Call our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation. Find out how a Chicago police chase lawyer can help you understand your legal rights in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the police. The call is free and there is no obligation.
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