A woman was killed in a car crash involving a police car on August 14 in Coconut Creek. According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, they are investigating the officer involved in the accident. The crash happened just after 4 AM near the Lyons Road and West Sample Road intersection.
Police officers from Coconut Creek and Margate Fire Rescue responded to the scene. The woman was rushed to the nearest hospital but was later pronounced dead. The police officer sustained minor injuries and was also rushed to a local hospital.
Unfortunately, many people are injured or killed in car crashes throughout Florida every single day, and many injured victims already find it hard to seek financial compensation for their accident-related losses. The claims process can be even more difficult when it involves a police officer and a police vehicle.
But take note that law enforcement officers are not above the law, and people who have been injured in police car crashes have the right to get compensated. The Boca Raton personal injury lawyers of Demand The Limits can seek justice for injured victims while making sure that they obtain compensation for their medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost income, and emotional distress, among others.
Who Should Be Held Liable in an Accident With a Police Car?
When a police officer and police vehicle is involved in a crash, it’s usually more difficult to establish liability. The main reason for this is that law enforcement officers are exempt from certain traffic laws, such as in emergency situations. For example, if a driver gets hit by a police car or hits a police car because they did not pull over while the officer was responding to an emergency, the driver may be held liable for the crash.
The police are also exempt from laws regarding speeding or running stop signs or red lights if they’re responding to an emergency. On the other hand, even law enforcement officers have a legal duty of care to all road users while they’re driving. This means that they must be extra cautious of other people’s safety, even if they’re engaging in a high-speed pursuit.
In addition, like other motorists, police officers cannot drive recklessly or negligently. Unless there’s an emergency, they cannot drive over the speed limit and run red lights and stop signs. They also cannot drive distracted or engage in aggressive driving practices. If a police officer’s negligent actions, driving while drugged or drunk, for instance, result in a crash, they can be held responsible for an injured party’s damages.
Get In Touch With a Seasoned Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash because of a police officer’s negligence, please do not hesitate to seek legal guidance from the Boca Raton personal injury lawyers of Demand The Limits. We can also help you pursue a wrongful death claim if the police car accident resulted in the death of your loved one. To set up a complimentary case evaluation with our Boca Raton personal lawyers, dial 561-600-3555 or contact us online.
