High-speed police chases can be dangerous events with the potential to hurt a lot of people, including innocent bystanders.
Police chases happen when a suspect doesn’t stop their vehicle after law enforcement signals them to. When someone refuses to pull over after a cop tries to stop them, a high-speed chase can quickly spiral out of control. These chases often happen in busy neighborhoods or on crowded roads, where drivers have little time to react if something goes wrong. At those speeds, a simple mistake can have devastating consequences, endangering innocent bystanders and other drivers.
It’s a tough balancing act for law enforcement. Cops have to decide when to pursue a suspect and when to let them go. They want to catch criminals, but they also have a duty to protect the public. Police departments have rules about when chases are allowed, but even with these guidelines, accidents can still happen.
A lot of factors go into the decision to chase, including the crime involved, how dangerous the chase might be, and the weather. Even with the best intentions, mistakes can be made, and the results can be tragic.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a police chase, you should understand your legal options. Having a Southaven personal injury lawyer on your side can help. Here are some potential avenues for compensation:
- The fleeing suspect is often primarily liable for damages caused during a police chase. You can pursue a personal injury claim against the suspect’s insurance or sue them directly. However, the suspect involved might not have adequate insurance coverage or the personal assets to cover the full extent of your injuries.
- You can also seek compensation through your own insurance policy, especially if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help offset your losses, like medical bills and property damage when the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance.
- If your loved one was killed during a police chase, your family might pursue a wrongful death These types of lawsuits can recover damages like funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
How can your Southaven personal injury attorneys help with my case?
If you’re recovering from serious injuries or mourning the loss of a loved one, dealing with the aftermath of a police chase can be an overwhelming prospect. However, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Taylor Jones Taylor are here to help. Here’s what we can do for you:
- We thoroughly review the circumstances of the chase, including obtaining police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements. All of this evidence helps establish liability.
- It can be complicated to determine fault in a police chase. We evaluate if the fleeing suspect, law enforcement officers, or other parties share responsibility.
- We also understand that insurance companies try to minimize payouts. We advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
- If we can’t reach a settlement, our attorneys are always prepared to take your case to court, working to ensure you secure the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a police chase in DeSoto County, you deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. Our Southaven personal injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll accidents like these can take. It’s our goal to provide compassionate and effective representation, hold the right people accountable, and secure the compensation you need to recover and rebuild your life.
The dedicated Southaven personal injury attorneys at Taylor Jones Taylor are here to guide you through every step of your case, fighting for your rights and ensuring your voice is heard. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando, and throughout Mississippi.
Benjamin L. Taylor is a lifelong resident of DeSoto County and has distinguished himself in the area of products liability and personal injury law. He has a reputation as a fierce advocate for his clients and has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements over his career. He has been listed in the publication Super Lawyers of the Mid-South in the area of product liability. To learn more about Mr. Taylor, please refer to his biography page.
