Police chases have long been glamorized in action movies and on TV shows, and they continue to stir America's collective imagination today. Yet when police officers, often operating with immunity, launch a police chase, the results can be deadly. Too often, police officers begin a chase because of a low-level crime, or no crime at all. When a police chase ends in a wreck that injures or kills innocent bystanders, the officers and their supervisors must be held accountable.

The Ohio personal injury attorneys at Robenalt Law enjoy a well-deserved reputation for success in bringing claims against negligent police officers. Led by founding attorney Tom Robenalt, Robenalt Law seeks justice on behalf of people who were injured and families of people who were killed by police officers. Attorney Robenalt began his career at a large insurance defense firm in Cleveland, where he defended people under their insurance policies against claims for personal injuries. Today, he uses that experience to seek justice on behalf of injured people and their families.

To put our expertise to work for you, contact Robenalt Law today to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help.

When Can Officers Engage in High-Speed Police Pursuits?

Under Ohio law, police officers have a legal duty not to initiate or continue a high-speed chase when the risk and danger to the public are too great. These policies exist to protect the public and prevent innocent people from being injured or dying.

Typically, police officers are prohibited from engaging in the high-speed pursuit of a suspect unless the individual has committed or attempted to commit a serious felony that involves an actual or threatened attack and which the officer has reason to believe could result in death or serious bodily injury. If a police officer believes a high-speed chase is justified and chooses to engage in a high-speed pursuit, they must do so with due regard for the safety of people on the street or highway and in a way that will not cause the officer to lose control of the vehicle.

High-Speed Police Pursuits Increase Likelihood of Severe Injuries

Accidents that occur at high speeds, such as those that occur during a police chase, can cause serious personal injuries or death. Whether you were in the vehicle that was being pursued or were in another vehicle that was struck by the police vehicle or the vehicle the police were chasing, you may be entitled to compensation.

Holding Negligent Police Officers Liable

The law holds negligent actors liable for their actions, and police officers are no exception. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries suffered in a police car chase and crash. While police enjoy limited immunity for causing an accident, they must strictly comply with legal guidelines for immunity to apply.

Fortunately, police cars have cameras that record officers doing their jobs. As a result, it may be easier to obtain evidence that supports a finding of police officer negligence. In addition, bystanders often record police chases on video and there are likely to be witnesses.

Under Ohio law, when responding to an emergency call, the driver of a public safety vehicle must slow down as necessary for safety and must operate the vehicle with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street or highway. The public service vehicle must be “equipped with at least one flashing, rotating or oscillating light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet…and the driver is giving audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle, or bell.”

Injured in a High-Speed Police Chase? Robenalt Law Can Help.

When an accident causes serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, you need to focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Let us handle proving liability and securing compensation for your injuries while you concentrate on your health and well-being.

Contact Robenalt Law Today

Robenalt Law has offices in Cleveland and Columbus and handles personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Ohio and nationwide.

Call our Cleveland office at (216) 223-7535 or our Columbus office at (614)-695-3800 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.