We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Many road-users, both drivers and passengers, have an ambivalent relationship with the police, being upset if there are speed traps or hold-ups yet grateful for the help of officers in situations resulting in passenger injury or car accident compensation.
Police drivers attend special training courses and are expected to have a better than average driving standard so it is quite surprising to learn that a large amount of compensation is paid out each year by forces around the UK to people whose vehicles have been involved in collisions with those driven by officers whose behaviour was deemed negligent.
Sometimes these road traffic accidents occur when officers are answering an emergency call or tracking a suspected criminal in which case the driver should operate the "blues and twos", that is blue flashing lights on the roof of the car and the two-tone siren to warn vehicles and pedestrians to move out of its way.
If a police driver fails to alert pedestrians or motorists to the fact the car is on an operational call and, therefore, may speed or in some other way not keep to usual highway regulations then he will not have the full protection of his job should an accident take place involving either damage or injury.
An unmarked police car is in a similar situation and the driver should ensure fair warning is given to other road users.
In the courts, a benchmark of "taking reasonable care" will be applied to any potential prosecution of a police driver who could be judged liable for causing an accident, meaning that although a police officer can break the law if necessary for his work, he must be as careful as possible of the safety of people and property with whom he may come into contact, including those suspected of crime.
If he is found guilty of committing an offence and not being sufficiently reasonable in his behaviour, he will face the same or higher penalties as a civilian driver accused of the same motoring offence.
In some circumstances, such as a driver braking sharply or pulling over suddenly to avoid an oncoming police car, it may be difficult to prove that the actions of a police officer have caused a driver or passenger injury such as whiplash so clear witness statements and representations from an experienced personal injury lawyer may be helpful to present a case for car accident compensation.
Of course, rather than causing injury, most of the accidents involving police vehicles are damage to other cars and property, which will be handled by the force's public liability insurers but where there is any doubt about the responsibility, a solicitor's help may be required to obtain recompense.
Expert solicitors for car accident compensation
YouClaim has an expert panel of solicitors who are able to work throughout the UK to represent victims entitled to claim car accident compensation.
Whether your personal injury has resulted from a road traffic accident with a police car or any other vehicle, if it was not your fault, or only partly so, you may be entitled to a payment for your pain, suffering or loss of earnings which were caused by it.
Our experienced lawyers are monitored by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to ensure the highest standards are maintained and, in most instances of personal injury, the no win no fee system ensures that you receive 100% of all compensation awarded.
To find out more about our legal services, you can complete the online claim form on this page, start a webchat with a member of our helpful team or telephone free on 0800 10 757 95
