Car Chase ends in Crash and Grass Fire
(Hidalgo County) One person was taken into custody following a March 30 car chase that ended in a rollover crash, which sparked a grass in Hidalgo County. According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), a deputy attempted to make a traffic stop about 3:15 p.m. The driver of the vehicle reportedly refused to stop, resulting in a vehicle pursuit.
The chase ended when the suspect’s car turned into a field, and rolled over multiple times, causing a grass fire, according to a news release.
HCSO Deputies, EMS, and Fire Department responded to the scene, located near the northbound exit ramp of Farm Road 490. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the driver was taken into custody. No other information about the driver or his/her injuries was provided.
Vehicle Pursuit Crashes
Laws and departmental policies governing police pursuits vary by state and agency, however, when considering whether or not to initiate a pursuit, most officers must ask themselves two questions:
- Has the driver of the vehicle committed a dangerous or violent felony?
- Is the driver exhibiting reckless driving behavior that endangers others?
It may seem simple to prove negligence for an injury caused by a police pursuit, but such cases are highly complicated under civil law.
Generally, when a defendant attempts to sue an officer, the judge or jury often reaches the same conclusion: no matter what car hits you, the suspect is to blame because he/she is guilty of fleeing from the police. While it can certainly be argued that the officer should have stopped the chase if it was becoming dangerous to bystanders, many courts grant police officers immunity. This means that many families will not receive any damages from the police department.
However, in some cases, officers are held liable for accidents, but only after a specialized analysis of the accident. Because of this, it’s recommended that you have an attorney to evaluate all circumstances surrounding the pursuit.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a police pursuit, don’t hesitate to reach out to the injury attorneys at J. Gonzalez Law Firm. We can give you a free, no-obligation consultation to determine if you have valid reason to pursue the matter in court. Call us today at: 1-800-CAR CRASH.
Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/car-chase-ends-in-rollover-crash-grass-fire/
