High-speed police chases can quickly become dangerous for not only the suspect and police involved, but for any Louisiana residents who happen to be on the roadways at the time. It is the responsibility of law enforcement officials to safeguard the public during these pursuits. When they fail to do so, a car accident is often the result.
Officials recently reported that a police pursuit involving members of a local police department and 33-year-old man resulted in a crash. A patrol car pursuing the individual crashed into an SUV occupied by two people as the chase went through an intersection. The civilians in the SUV both suffered injuries.
A 35-year-old woman was ejected during the crash. Her injuries required her to undergo surgery at an area hospital. She is currently listed as being in stable condition.
The 28-year-old man in the vehicle was fortunate enough to only suffer minor injuries. The suspect was ultimately apprehended and taken into custody, but it is unclear whether any of the charges he faces are connected to the car accident. Three police officers involved in the incident also suffered unknown injuries.
The injured woman retains the right to file a personal injury claim against all of the parties deemed responsible for the car accident. This could include the officer driving the patrol car, the department for which he works and the suspect fleeing the police. If she successfully proves negligence on the part of one or more parties, she may be awarded damages by a Louisiana court. Based upon the proof presented, the judgment could be apportioned among those found to be at fault in accordance with the court’s determination of each party’s percentage of liability.
Source: nola.com, “3 officers, 2 civilians injured in Metairie crash after high-speed chase”, Jessica Williams, April 29, 2015
