Following a police chase accident in Texas, the consequences can be difficult and far-reaching. Since 1996, the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec has been dedicated to helping injured Texans with honest, personalized legal representation.
We understand the serious toll a pursuit-related crash can take on you and your loved ones. Below, we outline how these accidents occur and how our team can assist you in pursuing fair compensation for your injuries.
Legal Aspects of Police Chase Accidents in Texas
Police chase accidents can arise when a fleeing driver ignores traffic signals, exceeds the speed limit, or refuses to pull over when ordered by law enforcement. In these tense moments, officers might find themselves racing through busy streets, potentially breathtakingly fast. This environment may lead to collisions involving bystanders, other motorists, or even pedestrians.
Prior to a policy change in September 2023, the Houston Police Department (HPD) was engaging in a high number of pursuits. In the 11 months before the policy change, there were about 1,650 chases. This averaged to around five pursuits per day.
Deciding responsibility in a police chase accident often involves looking at three groups: the person evading the authorities, the law enforcement officers who give chase, and any other persons whose actions might have contributed to the crash.
Liability can become complicated if the officers unleashed certain maneuvers or if city policies were disregarded during the pursuit.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 101.021, there may be ways to hold officers liable if they engage in careless or wrongful behavior. This might include excessive speeding in congested conditions or failing to exercise added caution when chasing a minor violation suspect.
We can help you investigate these factors to see whether an officer or agency could be required to cover your harm.
How the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec Can Assist
We are dedicated to handling your police chase accident claim in a thorough manner. Our goal is to examine the evidence, identify every liable party, and push for the best possible financial recovery on your behalf.
Case Evaluation
We begin with an in-depth look at all details relevant to your case. This includes studying police reports, statements from witnesses, photographs, and medical records. Gathering these items helps us better grasp the scale of your injuries, as well as the role that law enforcement and the fleeing driver played in causing the collision.
After reviewing these details, we then consider every potentially liable entity. That could be the suspect who refused to stop, the individual law enforcement officer involved in the pursuit, or even a government office responsible for oversight. We aim to include anyone who contributed to the accident when seeking compensation.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Injuries
A police chase may leave you with cracked bones, whiplash, head trauma, or severe emotional stress. Our job is to help you pursue payment that can cover your medical bills, earnings lost during recovery, the cost of repairing your vehicle, and other expenses linked to your accident.
We do our best to negotiate directly with insurers and any government representatives for an amount that reflects what you truly deserve. If settlement talks do not lead to a fair outcome, we are prepared to bring your case to court.
Guidance Through Complex Legal Processes
Filing a claim against a government agency is different from filing an everyday insurance claim. There may be deadlines and specific documents that need to be submitted in a strict timeframe. We help you handle these tasks so that you do not miss important dates or steps.
Throughout this process, we keep lines of communication open. When you have questions or want an update on your claim, we share clear, prompt responses. You will know the status of your case every step of the way.
Challenges in Police Chase Accident Cases
Pursuing justice can be more difficult when a government body is involved. Law enforcement may deny wrongdoing or shield itself from claims by pointing to official guidelines. Sorting out which driver caused multiple impacts can also add confusion if the chase forced several vehicles to collide.
In many instances, you should expect to gather multiple types of evidence, from crash scene photos to dashcam recordings.
Meanwhile, filing deadlines for government claims can be shorter than the filing window for standard auto accidents. Prompt legal help is especially important in these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take immediately after a police chase accident?
First, call medical responders if anyone is injured. Gather information from bystanders and document what occurred on the scene, including any videos or photos of the aftermath. Request a police report, even if officers on site have already taken statements. Proper medical and legal documentation can prove vital when building your case.
How can I prove liability in a police chase accident?
Police reports, dashcam or bodycam footage, phone records, and eyewitness accounts can be combined to show what actions took place. These details help us reconstruct whether officers acted responsibly and whether the fleeing suspect directly caused you harm. Physical evidence, like tire marks or visible road damage, may also help in establishing who is responsible.
Is there a deadline for filing a police chase accident claim in Texas?
Lawsuits for personal injury typically must be filed within two years of the accident. However, if a government agency is involved, your timetable may be shorter. Getting started soon allows you more time to gather documents and organize your statements before deadlines expire.
Contact the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec Today
We welcome your questions and invite you to reach out anytime at 281-643-2000. You can also visit our contact page for further details.
We pride ourselves on a personal approach and pay close attention to your needs during every stage of the legal process. If you are ready to talk about your options, call us today to arrange a free consultation and discuss your path forward.