What to Do If You Were Injured in a Crash With a Police Vehicle
USA Today reports that around 52,000 Americans were injured in police chase crashes between 2017 and 2021. Recklessness, speeding, and impaired driving contribute to police vehicle accidents.
A car crash with police can be more overwhelming than a typical crash. Legal protections and government involvement make police vehicle accidents more complex.
However, this doesn’t limit you from seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Following the right legal steps after a crash can help protect your rights and ensure a fair outcome.
Injured in a collision with law enforcement and don’t know what to do? Don’t let confusion or intimidation prevent you from getting the justice you deserve. Keep reading to learn precisely what to do after a car crash with the police.
Get to Safety
Getting to safety immediately helps prevent further injuries. You reduce the risk of additional collisions with other vehicles on the road.
Failing to move to safety could complicate the legal process if another accident occurs. It may become difficult to prove liability.
Getting to safety allows you to document the accident scene effectively. It also becomes easier to call for emergency assistance.
Move your vehicle from the traffic to a safer location near the accident scene. If you’ve sustained serious injuries like spinal injuries, stay calm and wait for responders. They will help you exit the car and take you to a safer location.
If you have sustained minor injuries and can drive, start by turning on your hazard lights. Emergency lights alert other drivers on the road to the accident, preventing more collisions.
Then, move your car away from the accident scene. Carefully drive to the side of the road that has no traffic.
Call 9-1-1
A police officer who caused the crash may try to convince you not to call 9-1-1. Don’t fall into this trap. Without a 9-1-1 call, it may be difficult to prove the fault.
Calling 9-1-1 allows you to file an official accident report. This helps limit the at-fault party’s attempts to downplay the severity of the crash.
An official accident report will help strengthen your case. It can also help resolve insurance disputes that may arise later.
If the officer later changes their story, you’ll have official evidence to counter their claim. You’ll minimize the risk of your injury claim getting rejected by the insurance company.
Check out these tips for calling 9-1-1 after a car crash with police:
- Call immediately
- Stay calm
- Provide accurate information
- Don’t admit fault
- Request medical assistance
- Record the call
Don’t be rude to the officer who caused the crash. Be polite and respectful, but also be firm. Insist on filing an accident report.
Document the Accident
Documenting your injuries helps you get quality medical attention. It also serves as evidence to strengthen your case.
Accurate documentation will enhance your case’s credibility. Documenting shows that your injuries were caused by the accident – they were not pre-existing.
Documenting can help increase the value of your crash injury compensation. Detailed documentation shows how the accident occurred, the extent of damages, and any injuries sustained.
Documentation will protect your rights after a police crash by giving you legal leverage. It can protect you from false accusations from law enforcement.
Documenting the accident scene can help your lawyer establish liability. Personal injury lawyers like RHINO Lawyers will critically analyze your documentation to prove that the officer is at fault. This will help us hold the responsible officer accountable for your injuries.
You can document the accident scene by:
- Taking photos and videos
- Documenting any visible injuries
- Recording witness statements
- Noting your surroundings – road hazards, weather conditions, time of the day
- Requesting the officer’s information – name, badge number, and department
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention after a police vehicle accident allows you to get immediate medical care. A medical specialist will examine your body to mask any pain or symptoms.
Urgent medical care is important even if you feel okay. It’ll help prevent possible complications.
Medical records will help prove your injuries and treatments. They can strengthen your insurance claim.
The records will show your treatment expenses, helping you negotiate fair crash injury compensation. Before filing an insurance claim, ensure you have records of:
- Prescriptions
- Medications and treatments
- Diagnostic tests and imaging results
- Follow-up visits
- Special consultations
- Emergency services
- Hospital records
- Surgery recommendations
Choose an experienced car accident doctor for a thorough examination. Visit specialists like neurologists and orthopedic specialists. They can help with brain injuries or broken bones, and musculoskeletal injuries.
Report the Accident
Proper accident reporting promotes accountability and accurate legal documentation. It allows you to prove your version of events.
Accurate reporting also minimizes the risk of false claims and accusations. Reporting a police vehicle accident is a legal obligation, especially if you’ve been severely injured. You’ll not only support your claim but also avoid fines and penalties.
After calling the responding law enforcement agency, request a police report. It’s the official report of the accident.
Then, report the incident to your insurance company. Ensure that your evidence provides all the details of the accident. An insurance adjuster may use any misinformation to counter your claim.
Seek Exceptional Legal Help
Seeking professional legal help means hiring experienced personal injury attorneys like RHINO Lawyers. We can easily navigate the complexities of police car accident claims, giving you peace of mind. We will protect your rights after a police car crash.
If you have an injury case, we can help with:
- Determining if the officer acted negligently
- Explaining relevant traffic laws
- Filing your claim on time
- Calculating your damages
- Communicating with the insurer
- Filing a lawsuit if your insurer denies your claim
- Representing you in court
Sovereign immunity laws protect police officers. At RHINO Lawyers, we understand these laws and can build a strong case to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Protecting Your Rights After a Car Crash With Police
Being involved in a car crash with police can be overwhelming. That’s why you need legal professionals like RHINO Lawyers to protect your rights and receive fair compensation.
Our team leader, Brandon F. Jones, Esquire, has over 14 years of experience in accident-related cases. He is a former insurance defense lawyer and is licensed in several jurisdictions.
Don’t let a complex case hold you back. Call us now!
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
