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 they 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 settle 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. At that point, you could drop your lawsuit and accept an out-of-court settlement.
What Should I Do If a Police Car Hits Me?
After a collision with a police car, you should get medical attention immediately. The police officer should check on your condition afterward, but if they suffered serious injuries, this might not be possible. 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 time, date, and details of the collision. These details serve as important 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 reason to deny it. You only have to supply basic information to the liable party.
Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer
Government agencies have Miami 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.
