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Getting into a car accident is always overwhelming. However, when the vehicle that caused the traffic crash belongs to the police, things can feel even more confusing. You may wonder if the rules are different, whether you’re allowed to file a claim, or if you’ll be treated fairly. It’s not just about fixing your car or paying medical bills, it’s about understanding your rights when the other driver is a law enforcement officer.
Furthermore, police-involved car accidents raise unique questions. Was the officer responding to an emergency? Who pays for the damage? Can you sue the city or department? These are real concerns, and the answers depend on the situation. In this article, we’ll walk you through what happens when a cop car hits you and what immediate steps to take. Also, we will discuss how to protect yourself legally and financially by seeking compensation and applying for car accident lawsuit loans before your case concludes.
Can You File a Claim If a Police Car Hits You?
Yes, you can file a personal injury or auto accident claim when a police car hits you. Just because the vehicle belongs to law enforcement doesn’t mean you lose your right to file an injury claim. Whether the officer was responding to a call or simply driving through traffic, they are still expected to follow the law and drive safely.
Thus, if you were injured or your car was damaged in an accident involving the police, you have the right to seek financial compensation. This may involve filing a claim with the city, county, or state, depending on who owns the vehicle and employs the officer. However, these car accident cases can be more complex than regular traffic crashes, but they are absolutely worth pursuing.
Who Is Responsible When a Police Officer Causes an Accident?
Responsibility depends on the details of the crash. If the officer was off-duty and driving a personal vehicle, they may be personally liable. If they were on duty and driving a marked police car, the department or government agency may be responsible.
In many cases, the city or county that employs the officer will handle the claim. This is called government liability. It means you may need to file a special notice or follow specific rules to start the process. Your attorney can help you figure out who to contact and how to move forward.
What Should You Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Cop Car?
If you’re involved in an accident with a police vehicle, take these steps to protect yourself where possible:
- Call 911: Even if the officer is already on the scene, make sure the accident is officially reported. Ask for a separate officer to respond if needed.
- Get immediate medical help: If you’re hurt or even if you feel fine, seek medical treatment right away. Your health comes first, and medical records will help support your claim.
- Document everything: Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, the police car, and any injuries. Write down what happened while it’s still fresh.
- Get the officer’s details: Ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and department. This information is important for your claim.
- Speak with witnesses: If anyone saw the crash, ask for their contact information. Their statements may help prove what happened.
- Contact an attorney: Car accidents involving police vehicles can be complicated. A lawyer who handles personal injury or government claims can guide you through the process.
Are Police Officers Treated Differently in Accident Investigations?
In some ways, yes. Police officers are often protected by a legal concept called qualified immunity. This means they may not be held personally responsible for actions taken while doing their job, especially if they were responding to an emergency.
However, qualified immunity doesn’t mean they’re above the law. If the officer was reckless, distracted, or violated traffic rules, they can still be held accountable. Internal investigations may also take place, but those are separate from your personal injury claim.
Therefore, it’s important to remember that you have rights. Even if the officer was on duty, you can still seek financial compensation for your injuries, damages, and other accident-related losses.
Can You Sue the Police Department or City for Damages?
Yes, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the police department or city for damages. However, the process to sue the police is different from suing a private individual. When you file a claim against a government agency, you usually need to submit a formal notice first. This is called a “notice of claim.” The notice must be filed within a specific time, usually 30 to 90 days after the accident.
Once you file the notice, the agency will review your claim. If they deny it or don’t respond, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will help you meet all deadlines and follow the correct steps. Keep in mind that government claims often have limits on how much you can recover. But if your injuries are serious and the officer was clearly at fault, you may still receive fair compensation.
What If the Police Department Disputes Your Claim?
If the department or city denies your claim, don’t give up. You still have options. You can take the following steps:
- File a lawsuit: Your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit to take the case to court and argue for your right to compensation.
- Gather strong evidence: Gather additional evidence and relevant documentation, such as photos, medical records, witness statements, and police reports, to help prove your case.
- Stay persistent: Government claims can take time. Don’t let delays or pushback stop you from seeking justice.
- Apply for legal funding: If your case is pending and you’re struggling financially, lawsuit loans can help you stay afloat while your attorney fights for a fair outcome.
Can You Get a Lawsuit Loan If You Were Hit by a Police Vehicle?
Yes, if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim after being hit by a cop car, you may qualify for pre-settlement funding. Your legal funding request will be approved based on the strength of your legal claim, expected settlement amount, and so forth. Moreover, most police-involved accidents are often complicated and take longer to resolve. Hence, you can use the settlement cash advance to pay for medical expenses, food, utilities, rent, mortgage, groceries, or other daily living costs.
Apply for Non-Recourse Police-Involved Car Accident Lawsuit Funding Today
Were you hit by a police vehicle and facing financial instability while your car accident lawsuit is ongoing? Contact us at High Rise Financial or call (866) 407-6404 today to apply for risk-free pre-settlement funding. Our trusted experts can determine your eligibility and guide you through the application process.