Police misconduct is not something that you should take lightly or that you need to feel helpless against. When police officers act inappropriately, whether on purpose or simply out of negligence, the results can be fatal for suspects and innocent bystanders. Other officers may even be injured or killed. Because of the negative publicity and the cost, a personal injury lawsuit can be the impetus for change, rooting out and correcting dangerous problems within a police department. If you or a loved one has been the victim of police misconduct, our Houston police misconduct attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Car Chases
Car chases put everyone on the road at risk. Drivers and passengers of vehicles not involved in the chase in anyway, as well as pedestrians, can be injured or killed when a car chase causes accidents. About 40% or car chases end in a crash. Some car chases are necessary and can even save lives. Unfortunately, officers do not always choose wisely when they decide to initiate a dangerous high-speed pursuit. Some officers will engage in a car chase over any minor infraction, such as an expired tag, and many departments allow it.
Car Accidents Due to Speeding with No Lights or Sirens
Sometimes officers have to be sneaky to save lives. If an officer believes that there is a potential that the suspect may try to harm someone or take hostages if alerted to police presence, that danger must be taken into consideration.
In Houston, officers are allowed to respond to certain types of calls without activating their lights or sirens. However, they must obey the normal traffic laws when they do this. If they choose to speed, run red lights, or break any other traffic laws, then they must activate their lights and sirens and alert the dispatcher that they have done so. Even with the lights and sirens activated they are required to “drive with due regard for the safety of citizens and fellow officers.”
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due police misconduct, please call our Texas personal injury attorneys or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.