What Happens If a Police Car Collides With Your Car?
If a police car hits your car, generally, the county owes you damages. However, securing compensation isn’t easy. Police departments don’t want to admit that their staff acted negligently, and seeking an insurance claim can get complicated quickly.
Law enforcement is supposed to protect and serve, but officers are human like everyone else and can make injurious mistakes. If you suffered injuries in a collision the police caused, you have legal options. For instance, you can partner with a personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. We offer free case reviews where you can learn more. Dial (954) 633-8270 to get started.
You Have Legal Options If a Police Car Hits Your Car
You may have these options after suffering injuries in a collision:
You Could File an Insurance Claim With Your Own Provider
Many car accident claimants turn to insurance after getting hurt. Their options generally depend on where they live. For instance, if you live in a no-fault state (like Florida), you could file a claim with your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. If you carry the minimum required coverage, you should have at least $10,000 to account for your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income.
You Could File a Claim With Law Enforcement’s Policy
If your damages exceed your PIP policy’s limits, you could file a claim with the police department’s liability coverage. Yet, with any insurance claim, recovering damages can get difficult. The insurer may intentionally drag out your case. The police department may assert that you caused the accident and don’t deserve compensation.
The American Bar Association (ABA) notes that most car accident cases are settled through insurance claims. While you could resolve your case via this route, it might not be easy. That’s where many car accident claimants opt to partner with attorneys.
You Could File a Lawsuit in Civil Court
Filing a lawsuit could offer a road to compensation following your collision with a police car. Here are some things to know about filing a lawsuit:
- Lawsuits come with filing deadlines. How long you have to file depends on where you live. Lawsuits against government agencies generally have shorter filing deadlines than lawsuits against individuals.
- You need evidence to have a compelling case, such as eyewitness testimony.
- After filing your lawsuit, the liable insurance company could agree to settle your case. You could then drop your lawsuit and accept an out-of-court settlement.
What Happens if a Police Car Hits You?
After a collision with a police car, you should get medical attention immediately. The police officer should check on your condition afterward, but this might not be possible if they suffered serious injuries. You should accept help from paramedics and other healthcare professionals and go to the hospital if needed.
Other post-accident considerations include:
Documenting the Accident
If possible, you should take photos and videos of the accident scene. Be sure to capture your car’s damage from multiple angles. In the days following your accident, you should also take pictures of your injuries, such as bruises or lacerations. You want adequate information to bolster your claim or lawsuit.
Requesting a Copy of the Accident Report
If you were in a collision that caused injuries or death, then law enforcement should have filled out an accident report. This document will detail the collision’s time, date, and details. These details serve as essential pieces of evidence in your case.
Refraining From Giving a Recorded Statement
The liable insurance company may ask for a recorded statement in the immediate aftermath of your police car accident. Giving one could hurt your case and give the insurer a reason to deny it. You only have to supply basic information to the liable party.
Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer
Government agencies have personal injury lawyers ready to dispute cases like yours. You likely don’t want to go toe-to-toe with these professionals alone. They may do everything possible to make you seem like the negligent party––even if you were blameless. Retaining your attorney could put you on even footing.
When a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer manages your case, they can:
- Investigate the collision and prove liability
- Calculate your losses
- Handle communications with the involved parties
- Protect you from any retaliation from the other party
- Review the liability insurance policy
- File your claim/lawsuit
- Explain your options
Collisions with public officials can quickly turn into heated debates. You don’t want to spend your recovery period going back and forth with aggressive attorneys and the people they represent. Instead, consider retaining legal help.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato to Begin Your Free Case Review
If a police car hits your vehicle, you can file a claim or lawsuit to recover damages. Exploring your options begins with a free, no-obligation case review. To connect with our car accident team at Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, dial (954) 633-8270.
FAQS About What Happens If a Police Car Hits Your Vehicle
This type of accident can be shocking. Below are some common questions we get about what you should do if your vehicle has been hit by a police car.
1. What Happens if a Police Car Hits Your Car?
If a police car hits your vehicle, whether you are parked or stopped, you may be entitled to fair compensation if the law enforcement officer or their department was at fault. Depending on what exactly occurred, you may be able to file an accident claim against the officer, the police department, or both parties. Discuss your legal options with your accident lawyer.
2. What Should I Do if a Cop Hits My Car?
If you are in a collision with a cop car, you should follow many of the same steps that you would in any other type of car accident. These are:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries
- Call the police to report the accident
- Document the accident scene and any injuries you have
In addition, you should also get the name and badge number of the police officer in the other vehicle.
3. Can I Get Compensation if a Police Officer Crashes Into My Car?
If the accident was their fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation may include damages awarded for economic and non-economic losses such as medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
4. Is the Police Officer at Fault if Their Car Hits My Vehicle?
The answer to this question depends on the specific circumstances of your accident. If the officer was negligent, then they were likely at fault. For example, if they failed to follow traffic laws or were speeding (without cause to do so).
If the officer was unqualified to drive the law enforcement vehicle, the police department may also be at fault.
In cases where the officer was responding to an emergency, however, they may be able to claim this in their defense. However, even in these situations, they must act with a reasonable amount of care for the safety of others. They must also have used their lights and sirens when the accident occurred.
5. Who Is Responsible for Damages if a Police Car Hits My Car?
As mentioned above, it depends on the circumstances of your accident. Liable parties may include the officer driving the police car, the police department, or even the government entity in charge of policing.
6. Can I Sue the Police if They Hit My Car?
Yes, you can sue the police in cases where their negligence directly resulted in your accident.
