High pursuit chases with the police may be exciting to watch on television, but when you’re experiencing one on the street in real-time, it can be quite a terrifying experience. With sirens blaring and the police and the suspect racing through the city streets, it can be difficult to know what the right thing to do is and how to best stay out of the way.
As the person of interest is driving recklessly on the highway and the streets, anything is bound to happen at such high speeds. In fact, there have been many instances of the driver in the fleeing car hitting other drivers or damaging property. These accidents can lead to major injuries for innocent victims who just so happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If you have been in the unlucky position of getting your property damaged or getting injured during a high pursuit chase, who is liable for the damages?
WHO PAYS FOR DAMAGES IN A HIGH PURSUIT CHASE?
If someone is fleeing the law in a high pursuit chase, there is a good chance that the driver may not have vehicle insurance. However, if they do have automobile insurance, then you can pursue the compensation through the traditional means.
When the driver does not have insurance, it can get infinitely more complicated regarding what you need to do to get compensation for any injuries you sustained during a high pursuit chase or damages to your car or property.
The Police Department that chased the subject through the streets may potentially be at fault because they might not have done enough to secure the area and ensure that the public was completely safe during the high pursuit chase.
The city also may potentially be at fault because they may have been negligent in not enforcing policy on police chases and giving officers too much discretion when pursuing fleeing cars. The police must do a careful list of pros and cons before they decide to pursue a suspect in a dangerous high pursuit chase through city streets and highways and really be sure that the suspect is dangerous enough to warrant putting the public in harm’s way.
Have you been a victim in a high pursuit police chase in Georgia? Your injuries and property damage should be taken seriously, and you may be entitled to compensation for them. Contact the Fry | Goehring today (404) 948-3571. We can help you navigate the legal system and understand your rights.
