John W. Redmann | March 21, 2025 | Car Accidents
A collision with a cop car can be unnerving, especially when they are the ones responsible for hitting you. You may feel intimidated by the situation due to the imbalance of power and authority. Still, it is critical to resist the urge to admit any kind of fault or apologize in any way. Accidents involving cop cars can become incredibly complicated, and facing it with the support of a Metairie car accident lawyer can give you a better chance of holding negligent officers accountable and recovering the compensation you deserve.
What To Do After a Cop Car Hits You
The steps you should take after a cop car hits you are not unlike a typical accident but with a few adjustments.
- Call 911: Immediately following the collision, call 911 to report the accident. If necessary, this will often bring EMS and another officer who will make a report, which may be helpful later.
- Take Photos: Take photos of the scene as soon as possible, ideally before anything has been moved. This should include the damage to both vehicles, any skid marks (or lack thereof) on the road, and any other property that may have been damaged in the accident. It may also help to take photos of your injuries.
- Avoid Moving Your Car: It is common to hear that after an accident, move your car out of traffic if you can, but it may be best to keep the vehicles where they are until other officers arrive for documentation and evidence.
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Even if you think your injuries are not severe, you should seek evaluation from a medical professional to ensure you don’t have hidden injuries and to get treatment for those that may worsen without it. Save and gather all documentation from medical or therapy providers to use as evidence.
- Call an Attorney: The faster you can get an attorney involved, the better protected you may be. An immediate call allows them the opportunity to preserve evidence and minimize your liability by handling the situation without representation.
Don’t wait—taking action promptly can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Complications When a Cop Car Hits You
Filing a claim after a cop car hits you can be unendingly challenging. Louisiana qualified immunity laws make it difficult to hold individual officers accountable. This means you must file a claim with the department the officer is affiliated with, which may be self-insured or may have lower than normal policy limits. Holding a police officer accountable for an accident they caused can be challenging, but not always impossible, with the help of an attorney from Redmann Law.
Can I Sue if a Cop Car Hits Me if I am Not Physically Injured?
We most often think of personal injury cases as relating to physical injury, but a portion of the compensation recovered is often for property damage or emotional injury. It is not uncommon for accident victims to face PTSD after a car accident, which can be just as debilitating as whiplash or a broken arm.
Coping with trauma after an accident can mean you miss time from work, attend costly therapy or psychiatrist appointments, and require medications. If a police officer’s negligent behavior causes these, even if you are not physically injured, you deserve a chance to pursue justice and compensation for the costs and lasting effects.
Protecting Yourself if a Cop Car Hits You
Police officers enjoy and often abuse an excess of power and minimal accountability regarding their behavior on the job. Louisiana law protects them more than the civilians they may hurt. However, this does not mean that victims of accidents involving police officers are without recourse. With the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer, it is possible to hold the police accountable for their negligence and pursue compensation for your damages, even if you aren’t physically injured.
Navigating the complexities of police liability requires skilled legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for property damage, emotional trauma, and any other lasting effects of the accident. Don’t let the authority of law enforcement deter you from seeking justice. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery.
Contact the Metairie Car Accident Lawyers of The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC for Help Today
If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our car accident attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
We serve Jefferson Parish County and Louisiana’s surrounding Areas
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Metairie, LA Office
2901 N Causeway Blvd, STE 202
Metairie, LA, 70002
(504) 500-5000
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Gretna, LA Office
