Even when driving a patrol vehicle in Las Vegas, law enforcement officers have to handle a variety of duties and responsibilities. They may even need to chase cars that have broken traffic laws through crowded junctions and on fast-moving interstates.
They must be ready to react to calls and dispatches at any time. Unfortunately, other drivers on the roadway may find themselves in danger during car chases.
The fleeing driver usually speeds and abruptly alters lanes or directions, showing no concern for the safety of the occupants of the surrounding vehicles. If you are involved in such a police chase that led to an accident, contact a car accident attorney Las Vegas.
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Are You Allowed To Sue The Police If They Chase You And Cause An Accident?
While police officers could be facing lawsuits for actions such as initiating false arrests, using excessive force, or not acting appropriately, it is more challenging to make them accountable for injuries suffered in car accidents and other incidents that happen while they carry out their official duties.
This is because governmental institutions, including police forces and their officers, are covered by various laws and regulations.
This means that a police officer might not be held responsible if they are involved in an accident while examining a crime scene or responding to an emergency requiring them to drive quickly or across an intersection without pausing. That does not, however, imply that specific police officers and the departments they serve are protected from responsibility and legal action.
Police Officers May Be Sued When Their Carelessness Causes Injuries
Police officer accidents need to be examined in the same way that every auto accident involving a civilian needs to be to determine who was at fault and whether negligence played a role. Negligence might have had a role in the crash, even if the police officer was carrying out his everyday tasks at the time.
For example, if a driver speeds and the police stop him or her from issuing a ticket, they may still be held responsible if the driver’s carelessness results in a crash.
However, establishing negligence requires a thorough investigation, and numerous law enforcement officers, as well as the departments that they work for, may be unwilling to admit its existence or to divulge relevant information.
1. You Are Not Eligible to Compensation If You are Partially in Fault
For most personal injury cases, most states employ a system of comparative fault. This means that people who share some of the responsibility for their accidents, as long as their share of responsibility remains below 51%, are still entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and missed wages.
2. Seeking Compensation If You Were the Fleeing Suspect
Sometimes, even if you were in the car that was being chased, you may still be eligible for compensation. Not all crimes are deserving of an investigation. You might be able to file a claim for damages if the officer chooses to pursue it in a careless or hazardous manner.
The officer might be held responsible if it turns out that you were acquitted of the offense for which you were investigated. In cases where the plaintiff is partially responsible for the accident, Nevada also permits them to pursue partial compensation.
Conclusion
If a police chase resulted in your injuries, a lawyer specialized in police chase accidents in Las Vegas may help you find the parties responsible for your accident. Either the suspect, the cop, or both may be held liable.
In the course of their duties, police officers are vulnerable to mistakes. They need to answer for their mistakes when they hurt others. Anyone does not have the right to act recklessly just because they wear a badge.
