When a police officer is involved in an accident, the process is very different from a “normal” accident involving citizens. Typically, a personal injury settlement can be accessed by filing a claim against the responsible driver’s auto insurance policy. But when government officials are involved, it’s common for the department to have self-insurance for accident coverage.
Since the claims process is different, it’s best to hire a personal injury lawyer that understands this type of accident case. The right expert can offer advice and help you build a case to get the maximum payout possible.
Steps to Take When You Are Hit by a Police Officer
Immediately after the accident, the initial steps are similar to the things you should be doing if you are hit by someone else. Follow these steps:
- Make sure you are in a safe place
- Stay calm and check for injuries
- Call for emergency services (911)
- Document the situation with photos and videos
- Ask for information from the other people involved and witnesses
- Seek medical support, even if you think the injuries are minor
- Notify your insurance company
- Hire a personal injury attorney
You might feel intimidated when talking to the other party, especially when a police officer is involved. But remember that the fault of the accident isn’t determined on-site. You will need to build a case and it will be decided in court based on evidence.
Is the Police Officer At-Fault?
When an accident happens with a police officer, your attorney will help you build the case to determine the person at fault. The goal is to determine if the officer hit your car, or if you hit the officer’s car.
There could be a case if it is proven that the officer was driving negligently. But there are also exceptions for emergency vehicles, depending on the circumstances, which is why it’s so important to have an experienced attorney helping with the case.
Depending on what the police officer was doing at the time, they might be exempt from charges. For example, if the accident occurred when the office was responding to an emergency, then the case might not hold up in court. There are different things that are within the officer’s parameters of duty that allow them to violate traffic laws in emergency situations.
Call the Experts for Assistance
Do you live in Washington state, and have you been in an accident involving a police officer? It’s essential that you hire a legal expert who can assist with your case. Call a local attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you have professional support every step of the way.
Brumley Law is the best-known expert in this field. We serve clients in the state of Washington and have years of experience with other related cases. There are things that you can do to file a claim, but the process is different from “normal” accident cases – which is why it’s essential to work with a team that understands police officer accidents. Reach out for more information and a free consultation.
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Written by Becki Andrus
