Accidents involving police patrol vehicles happen more often than most people realize, but they are handled differently than conventional car collisions. While the rules may differ, police officers are not immune to liability. Keep reading to learn how these cases can be managed, and call 909-982-0707 to schedule a free legal consultation with the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas.
Do Not Admit Fault
You should never admit fault in a vehicle accident. Provide only the minimum basic information to the police, such as your name and driver’s license number. This can be difficult in any situation, but it becomes even more challenging when the person involved in the accident is a police officer. They may even try to get you to admit something. Regardless of the situation, inform them that you need to speak with your personal injury attorney before discussing the details of the accident.
These Cases Differ in Several Ways
Aside from the fact that dealing with a police officer instead of a civilian can be intimidating, these types of car accidents differ in various ways.
First, it is likely that the police officer is protected by the municipality’s insurance coverage, which can change the claims process. Municipalities may take a long time to investigate your claim, which is why hiring an attorney is critical to keep the pressure on. Additionally, there is often a limited timeframe to file your claim. Failing to meet the deadline could leave you with no legal options. For this reason, it is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
The Police Vehicle’s Actions at the Time of the Accident Determine Liability
In most car accidents, fault is established by determining who was at fault. While this also applies to accidents involving police, it can be more challenging due to the “emergency vehicle” exemption. This exemption allows police vehicles to perform actions most drivers would consider illegal, such as speeding, running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, not yielding the right of way, and not using turn signals.
If a police officer was responding to an emergency call and using their lights and sirens, they may be exempt from liability for any accidents they cause. However, if this exemption does not apply—for example, if they were not responding to an emergency or did not have their lights and sirens activated—they may be held accountable.
These are complex situations that can make many drivers feel uneasy. Therefore, we strongly recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible. For a free legal consultation, call the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 today.