Police are supposed to keep us safe, but in some situations, they can cause accidents and injuries. This occurs fairly frequently during police chases. Unfortunately, Alabama has the highest rate of fatal police chase injuries in the nation.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) shows over 7,000 police chase deaths from 20 years of data on accidents nationwide. This averages out to nearly one death each day throughout the country.
In Alabama, the rate of deaths from police chases is the highest in the country at 5.3 per 100,000 residents. While there may be other factors, the DOJ data reports that states with high incidences of violent crime have more deadly police chase accidents.
What can you do if you or a family member is injured by police?
Law enforcement officers, suspects and bystanders can suffer injuries during these chases. Injuries may range from broken bones and lacerations to spinal cord damage and brain injuries. In the most severe cases, the injuries are fatal.
Police overreach is a serious matter. Whether it is an accident from the pursuit of a suspect or excessive use of force, injury victims and their families may seek compensation for their losses.
Bringing a case against the government is challenging and not something you want to attempt on your own. If you decide to file a lawsuit against the police or other law enforcement agency, you will need a lawyer who has experience with these cases.
