A Charlotte, North Carolina, police chase demonstrates the danger of risky police pursuits. Innocent bystanders injured as a result of police pursuits or an officer's over exuberance may be able to recover compensation from police in a personal injury lawsuit.
Police Chase Ends in Crash
Near a license checkpoint in Charlotte, Emmanuel Brown made a U-turn and drove away, arousing the suspicion of North Carolina State Troopers working at the checkpoint. Trooper Ari Benge began pursuing Brown with the lights and siren on his squad car activated.
Brown sped off at about 50 mph through winding neighborhood streets before his vehicle slipped on some leaves on the road, causing him to lose control, police reported. Brown's vehicle then crashed into a home, where luckily no one was present. However, Brown's passengers, his 78-year-old mother and a 6-year old relative, suffered injuries in the car crash. According to police, Brown's mother required surgery for broken ribs and other internal injuries.
Dangerous Police Pursuits
The passengers in Brown's vehicle are expected to fully recover. Unfortunately, though, many other individuals harmed as a result of high-speed police chases suffer severe permanent or even fatal injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 360 people are killed every year in police pursuits - and one third of those killed, according to USA Today, are innocent bystanders.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Someone injured in a police-pursuit crash or other police accident may be able to sue the responsible officer or law-enforcement department in a personal injury lawsuit. Police have a duty to act with due care for the safety of others, including innocent bystanders. If an officer did not meet that duty and someone was injured as a result, the officer may be found negligent. If the officer was negligent, the victim may obtain compensation for his or her injuries and other damages.
If someone dies as a result of a police chase or an officer's negligence, family members may be able to sue the at-fault officer in a wrongful death lawsuit. If it is proven that the victim's death was caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of an officer, the victim's family may recover damages. Under North Carolina law, damages recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit may include:
- Compensation for the victim's pain and suffering
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of expected future income
- Loss of services, care, comfort and companionship
- Punitive damages
If you or a loved one has been injured in a police pursuit or an accident involving police, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in your area. A lawyer experienced in handling cases against law enforcement officers and agencies can help you understand who may be legally responsible for the accident and assist with any claims you may have.
