727-381-9200

Practice Areas

Michael Babboni

About Us

Results

Legal Information

Contact

The Chase Is On: How Innocent Bystanders Get Injured

People who commit crimes often believe that they will get away with it if they can evade, or outrun, those in law enforcement. Sometimes, the word outrun takes on a literal meaning. By now you’ve likely heard of, or seen footage of, at least one police chase that has occurred in our country. As the person-of-interest tries to escape in their vehicle, the police follow in hot pursuit to capture those who are thought to have committed a crime. When it comes to bringing a suspect to justice, there are often no boundaries.

Off Road Pursuits


Though it is often where they begin, police chases are not restricted to roadways. The vehicles involved in the chase, from the perpetrator to the police officer, can end up on the sidewalk or in someone’s front yard. One high-speed chase in upstate New York plowed through a small golf course, causing damage to the greens. Thankfully, none of the golfers were injured, though many had quite the story to tell at home that evening.

Unfortunately, some folks don’t always make it home with a story to tell.

Accidental Damages


The number of innocent bystanders who become injured, some gravely, during a police chase is higher than you might expect. Though fleeing suspects account for the majority of the injuries or deaths, the number of bystanders hurt is not far behind. Drivers in both the fleeing and pursuing vehicles have one thing on their mind: the end result.

  • For the fleeing suspect, the end result is getting away from the police as far and as fast as possible.

  • For the pursuing officer, the end result is capturing the suspect as quickly as they can.


Though neither blatantly intends to cause damage to other people or properties, it is not the main goal of the pursuit. This is where damage to property such as street signs, mailboxes, and houses come in. This is also where pedestrians on foot, riders on bicycles, or even people sitting in their living rooms can become victims. Vehicles that come up on the sidewalk, or those that crash into homes, can cause damage and death.

Innocent Drivers And Riders


Innocent bystanders are not only those who are standing by on foot; many bystanders are those who happen to be driving in or near the area where the action is taking place. Often times, there are no yellow lines, traffic lights, or stop signs that will keep either vehicle in order. When one of the vehicles in the chase runs a stop sign, it can be deadly for the vehicle that crosses their path. Several years ago, a police officer in Miami ran a stop sign during a police chase and hit another vehicle causing death to the driver. This shows that neither party is exempt from making a deadly mistake when it comes to high speed pursuit.

Responsibility Lies Within


In Florida, the guilty party in a situation of injury to a bystander falls upon whoever is guilty of neglecting duty of care to the injured person.

  • The Fleeing Suspect can be held responsible if they collide with another vehicle, or if they cause injury or property damage, by performing an illegal maneuver. Victims might suffer emotional distress as well as their physical injures, making the felling suspect liable for mental and emotional care for the victim.

  • The Pursuing Officer could be responsible if they do not adhere to the specific procedures required during such an event. It is detrimental that pursuing officers not place anyone’s life or property at undue risk, but accidents do happen. People who are injured by a police vehicle, or even those who are struck when another vehicle swerves to avoid a police vehicle, have a right to compensation. Sometimes, even the fleeing suspect’s family might pursue a lawsuit if the suspect was killed during the chase.

  • Government and Municipalities can sometimes bear responsibility if it is determined that there was a failure to train police officers properly on pursuit procedures.


Genuine Accountability


Whoever is responsible for injury or death can be held accountable for lost wages, medical bills, or even emotional trauma. Even if the pursuing officer is the person responsible, it is not impossible to sue for compensation.

If you or someone you love has been injured as an innocent bystander during a police car chase, you are not alone. As more people have discovered their rights in cases like this, more are being awarded fair compensation for what they have been through. You might have been a bystander during the incident, but you do not have to be a bystander when it comes to getting the settlement you deserve.