Being involved in a car accident can be a harrowing experience, especially when the other vehicle involved belongs to a police officer. In these situations, it’s natural to wonder about your rights and how liability will be determined, as well as whether you will be permitted to file a personal injury claim. At Buttafuoco & Associates, our car accident attorneys are here to help.
If a police officer is at fault for a car accident, you may be entitled to damages. It’s a common myth that police officers have immunity in these situations and can’t be held accountable. If you have been in a car accident involving law enforcement, call 1-800-NOW-HURT to learn more about your rights.
What Should I Do If I’m In A Car Accident With A Police Officer?
A seasoned car accident attorney will suggest that you follow many of the same steps as with any vehicle crash:
- Call 911: Even if the other driver is a police officer, it’s essential that you get in touch with emergency services.
- Get Medical Attention: Furthermore, save any documentation of medical services.
- Collect Evidence: Take pictures of the road conditions, vehicle damage, skid marks, and anything else relevant to the accident. Also collect names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange Information: In addition to the typical contact and insurance information, it will be important to document the officer’s badge number and the police department they work for. Also, note the vehicle’s license plate number.
- File a Report: Even though the accident involves a police officer, you should still file a report and request a copy for your records.
When Is A Police Officer At Fault?
If a police officer is found guilty of driving recklessly or negligently, they will be liable for your injuries, just like any other driver. Determining negligence in a car crash involving a police vehicle, however, is sometimes not as cut-and-dried as with other vehicle crashes, since police officers do have some latitude regarding traffic laws, especially in emergency situations.
If a police officer is acting in their official capacity, responding to an emergency, they may be permitted to ignore certain traffic laws, including speed limits, passing restrictions, and red lights. However, they must be acting in their official capacity and within the regulations of their department.
Sometimes when filing a personal injury lawsuit, though, liability might not fall on the police officer. Instead, a car accident attorney may suggest that you file a claim against the department or government agency. In other words, even if an officer was not directly liable for your injuries, you may still have a case.
Should I Hire An Attorney?
Since police unions are among the last robust institutions of organized labor in the United States, police officers and their departments often enjoy exceptional legal resources. Any victim deserves the same expertise in their corner. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a police officer or any other official government vehicle, hiring an expert car accident lawyer is essential. At Buttafuoco & Associates, we can assure you peace of mind with many steps in the process:
- Investigation: Gathering evidence is essential in any car accident or personal injury case. An attorney can discern the most effective way to build a strong case on your behalf. They will obtain accident reports, surveillance footage, and any available body cam footage from the officer to ensure all aspects of the incident are covered.
- Negotiation: Having an experienced attorney negotiate on your behalf will help you receive the compensation you deserve. This includes negotiating with the city or police department’s legal team and insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected and you receive a fair settlement.
- Representation: Should your case go to trial, your chances of success increase substantially if you have professional legal representation. Your attorney will prepare all necessary documentation, present evidence, and advocate for you in court, ensuring your side of the story is clearly heard.
Our team of car accident lawyers have the expertise and experience to help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation with Buttafuoco & Associates.
