In 2024, the New York City Police Department reported 2,278 vehicle pursuits. Of these, around 25% led to collisions, property damage or physical injuries. With Brooklyn being one of the most densely populated areas in New York, the decision for officers to pursue a suspect carries significant risks for everyone in the vicinity. Whether in busy neighborhoods or residential areas, police chases can result in serious accidents, and innocent bystanders often bear the consequences.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a police chase, it’s important to understand your legal options. A Brooklyn police chase accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries and damages caused by high-speed pursuits.
What Is a Police Chase Accident?
A police chase accident happens when a law enforcement officer chases a suspect in a vehicle, and the pursuit leads to a crash, property damage or injury to innocent bystanders. These accidents can involve collisions between police vehicles, other cars, pedestrians or even stationary objects.
What Are NYPD Police Chase Policies?
The NYPD’s vehicle pursuit policies are designed to minimize risk while ensuring officers can perform their duties effectively. These policies prioritize safety, responsible decision-making and accountability. Below is a breakdown of each key rule within the vehicle pursuit policy.
Discretion To Initiate Pursuit
Officers should not initiate a pursuit unless it is for the most serious and violent crimes, such as felonies or violent misdemeanors. Pursuits should not be initiated for minor traffic infractions or non-violent offenses.
When officers ignore this rule and initiate pursuits for less severe offenses, they increase the likelihood of an accident. In a busy area like Brooklyn, the consequences of an officer not following this guideline could be catastrophic, leading to accidents that could have easily been avoided.
Consideration of Location
Officers should always carefully evaluate the location of the pursuit. In Brooklyn, with its densely populated streets, a failure to adhere to this policy can result in crashes that harm innocent pedestrians, other drivers or residents simply going about their day.
Supervisory Oversight
Supervisors should actively monitor and manage pursuits, including keeping track of the chase speed and making decisions about whether to continue or call for specialized assistance. Without proper oversight, officers may engage in high-speed chases that endanger the public. When this happens, innocent people may become victims of police chase accidents that could have been avoided with proper supervision.
Officer Discretion To Terminate Pursuit
Officers should have the discretion to terminate a pursuit if they believe continuing the chase is unsafe. If officers choose not to terminate a pursuit when it’s clearly unsafe, they put themselves, the suspect and innocent bystanders at risk of injury or death. This rule is essential in preventing accidents, and when ignored, it can lead to tragic outcomes, especially in busy urban areas like Brooklyn.
Use of Technology for Record-Keeping and Compliance
The NYPD is required to use technology to track the progress of the chase, record speed and ensure compliance with department policies. However, when officers or supervisors fail to use these tools properly, it can lead to gaps in the records, making it more difficult to determine who was at fault for the accident.
An experienced Brooklyn police chase accident lawyer will work to gather all available evidence, including video footage, witness statements and any other records related to the chase. They can subpoena police records, interview witnesses and consult experts to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash so the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Who Is Liable for Police Chase Accidents in Brooklyn?
In police chase accidents, determining liability can be a complex process. Several parties may be held responsible depending on the circumstances.
Brooklyn Police
In some cases, police officers may be held accountable if their actions during a pursuit were reckless, unnecessary or in violation of department policies. Additionally, if the Brooklyn police department’s equipment or technology failed, causing a pursuit to spiral out of control, the department itself could be held responsible.
However, holding the police liable can be challenging due to certain legal protections, such as immunity laws that shield officers from liability in specific situations. But this does not mean that you are without options. If the Brooklyn police are not found liable for an accident resulting from a police chase, there are still other avenues to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
The Suspect Driver
In cases where the suspect fleeing the police is responsible for the accident, you may be able to file a claim directly against the driver. This is particularly relevant when the suspect’s reckless driving or refusal to stop causes a crash. If the driver is caught, you can pursue a personal injury claim against them for damages related to the accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If the suspect driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance may cover the costs associated with the accident. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you in such cases, allowing you to file a claim through your own insurance provider. This ensures that, even if the at-fault driver cannot pay for the damages, you are not left to bear the full financial burden of the accident.
What Injuries Can High-Speed Injuries Cause?
High-speed chases in Brooklyn are often violent and result in severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and burns
- Psychological trauma
These injuries can have long-lasting effects, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support.
What If an Innocent Bystander Is Injured in a Police Chase?
If you or a loved one is injured as an innocent bystander in a police chase, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. The at-fault driver or the Brooklyn police department may be responsible for these damages. A personal injury lawyer can help investigate the details of the case, identify the responsible party and work on your behalf to secure compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Police Chase Accident Report in Brooklyn?
In New York, there are strict deadlines for filing claims after a police chase accident. You must file a Notice of Claim with the City of New York within 90 days.
After that, you have one year and 90 days to file a civil lawsuit against the city. If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your chance to get compensation for your injuries or damages. It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.
Why Hire a Police Chase Accident Lawyer in NY?
New York’s legal system can make it difficult to obtain fair compensation for injuries sustained in a police chase accident in Brooklyn. The rules and regulations can be complicated, and having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a big difference in your settlement amount.
With the help of Cellino Law’s Brooklyn police chase accident lawyers, you may be compensated for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Our experienced lawyers can also provide peace of mind during a stressful time, ensuring you understand your options and are fully supported throughout the legal process.
Schedule a Free Review of Your Brooklyn Police Chase Accident Claim
Dealing with a police chase accident can be complicated, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries. At Cellino Law, we understand the stress you’re under, and we’re here to help. Our team offers a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options and provide guidance on how to move forward. Best of all, you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free case review!