A high-speed police chase can turn deadly in seconds, not just for the suspect, but for innocent drivers and pedestrians caught in the path. If you were injured during a police pursuit, whether by the fleeing suspect or a patrol vehicle, you may have a right to compensation. At Andrew Pickett Law, we fight for victims who were injured due to reckless or unjustified chases carried out by local law enforcement or Florida state police.
Whether the incident happened in Melbourne, Palm Bay, or anywhere in Brevard County, our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case and determine who is legally responsible. Contact a Melbourne, FL police chase accident attorney today at 321-415-8053 for a free consultation.
When Police Chases Lead to Civilian Injuries
Police chases often involve speeds well above the legal limit, aggressive turns, and complete disregard for traffic signals, not just by the suspect, but sometimes by the officers in pursuit. Innocent people can suffer life-altering injuries when officers or fleeing suspects crash into them during these high-risk scenarios.
Victims may be:
- Other drivers struck by the suspect
- Pedestrians hit during the chase
- Bystanders injured in secondary crashes
- Drivers struck by police cruisers attempting pursuit
While law enforcement officers have a duty to protect public safety, that duty can be violated if a chase was conducted negligently, recklessly, or in violation of agency policies. In Florida, both state police (Florida Highway Patrol) and local city or county officers may be involved in pursuits, and both can be held liable under certain circumstances.
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Sebastian Martinez
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Understanding Police Chase Liability in Florida
Police departments typically have internal pursuit policies that outline when a chase is justified. Many Florida agencies restrict pursuits to cases involving violent felonies or serious public threats. Chasing someone for a minor traffic violation or property crime may be prohibited under those guidelines.
Liability may fall on:
- The fleeing driver, if they caused the crash
- The local police department or Florida Highway Patrol, if officers violated protocol or created unreasonable danger
- AÂ municipality or state agency, if poor pursuit training, lack of supervision, or negligent planning played a role
At Andrew Pickett Law, we investigate:
- Whether the pursuit violated department policy
- Whether police failed to warn or protect the public
- Whether traffic laws were ignored during the chase
- Whether innocent drivers were placed in preventable danger
Common Injuries in Police Chase Accidents
Because these chases typically happen at high speeds and with little regard for traffic control, the resulting crashes often cause catastrophic damage. Injuries may include:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe fractures or crush injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Burns and lacerations
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
Our legal team works with trauma experts, medical providers, and accident reconstruction professionals to fully document your injuries and calculate the long-term impact on your life and livelihood.
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Please describe what happened. We will review your case for free and work to secure the highest legal compensation possible.
5000+ Cases Reviewed
Beatrice Maxime
$1,000,000 Verdict
"I am so very grateful to have had this firm represent me. I was in a car accident a few years ago, but the car insurance company of the person who totaled my car would not replace my car, nor pay for my medical bills. We ended up going to court and because of Mr. Pickett, we won the case. Thank you so much for all you did for us!!!!"
Can You Sue Law Enforcement for a Police Chase Accident in Florida?
Yes, in certain cases, you may be able to pursue a claim against a police department, sheriff’s office, or the State of Florida. However, these claims are complicated by sovereign immunity laws, which limit when and how government entities can be sued.
Under Florida Statutes §768.28, the state has waived sovereign immunity in certain personal injury cases, but:
- Damages are capped at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
- A notice of claim must be filed with the appropriate agency before filing suit
- You may need to prove the officers acted outside the bounds of their authority or with reckless disregard for safety
Navigating these rules requires precision and legal experience. That’s where a seasoned police chase accident lawyer can make the difference.
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Chase Injury Claim in Florida?
In most personal injury cases in Florida, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident (as of the 2023 law update). However, claims involving government agencies may require advance written notice and have additional time restrictions.
To protect your right to compensation, contact Andrew Pickett Law as soon as possible after the incident. Early legal action allows us to preserve critical evidence, including police body camera footage, dispatch logs, and pursuit policy documents.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If you were injured as a result of a negligent police pursuit, you may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and future care costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or psychological trauma
- Property damage
- Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members
We build comprehensive claims that account for both economic losses and non-economic harm so that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Andrew Pickett Law for a Police Chase Accident Case
Andrew Pickett Law is a Florida-based personal injury firm that has recovered over $38 million for clients across the state. As a former prosecutor, Andrew Pickett understands how to hold public entities accountable and how to present complex legal issues in a courtroom setting.
Here’s what you get with us:
- Deep understanding of Florida police liability laws
- Aggressive investigation and evidence gathering
- Access to pursuit policy experts and accident analysts
- Trial-ready litigation strategy
- No fees unless we win
We take your case personally, and we never back down when your future is at stake.
Serving Police Chase Victims Across Florida
From our offices in Melbourne and Titusville, we represent injury victims throughout:
- Melbourne
- Palm Bay
- Cocoa
- Titusville
- Rockledge
- Cape Canaveral
- Satellite Beach
- And throughout the state of Florida
Whether your accident involved the Florida Highway Patrol, a city police department, or a county sheriff’s deputy, we can help you hold them accountable.
Contact a Melbourne, FL Police Chase Accident Attorney Today
If your life was turned upside down by a reckless police pursuit, don’t face the aftermath alone. Let Andrew Pickett Law investigate the facts, pursue justice, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Melbourne Office:Â 927 E New Haven Avenue, Suite 201, Melbourne, FL 32901
Titusville Office:Â 605 S Palm Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
Call 321-415-8053 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation
We’re here to protect your rights and demand accountability, no matter who was behind the wheel.
Meet Andrew Pickett
Dealing with the murky policies of insurance companies designed to confuse and prevent you from receiving compensation is our expertise.
15+ years experience as a personal injury attorney.
Specialized in battling insurance companies.
95% settlement rate for clients.
Handled 500+ personal injury cases.
Collected more than $38 million for clients.
500+ people have chosen
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