Do the cops pay for it?

Question

I saw a police chase once where the cop ended up ramming the suspect into an innocent guy's car. This guy's car got banged up pretty badly so I was wondering....does the city pay for the innocent guy's damages since it was the cops who actually damaged his car?

Also, if you are hit during a police chase by the suspect himself, do you have any recourse other than filing on your own insurance? (I'm assuming the douchebag running from the cops doesn't have insurance of his own).

Answer 1

Where I work, the department pays for it under the above outlined circ's.

Answer 2

In our State, unless an Officer is proved to be negligent in the cause of an accident, the perpetrator of the crime pays for any and all damages caused by the police or himself. In the case above, the City's insurance would most likely pay and then go after the Offenders pockets. Just an aside, If an Officer is proved negligent, IE: He doesn't use his lights AND siren in the chase, or some other negligent act, he can be held Criminally AND Civilly liable for any and all damages. An Officer would be an idiot to pursue a suspect in his Unmarked POV while off duty. So much for the Hollywood aspect of Police work!

Answer 3

You can get money from the city/gov't even if it's your fault. The fact that the Police are chasing sombody means that the whole situation is "Government Involved" And yes the innocent Driver can get retribution from the bad guy and the City..

Answer 4

Being a police officer suggests that they have to comply like any other person, in fact even more so. I am aware that some police officers consider themselves above the law ( note I say some ) and that can be a mentality that needs correcting. So the answer is yes, in every way.

Answer 5

First: Nice picture !
If the police car 'creams out' an innocent bystanders car, the city's insurance most likely will cover that.
In the second, Your insurance will cover you "if you were prudent enough" to have uninsured motorists coverage.

Answer 6

The DA's office has a program called the Victim/Witness Program. If you are affected by a crime whether directly or indirectly involved they pay for whatever you need out of a fund put aside.

Answer 7

In our city...."does the cop pay for it"?

If it's determined as a 'preventable' accident, yes, they can get suspended for up to three days without pay.

So...it all depends on if the chase was legal and justifiable.
"Legal" meaning ....is it allowed in their city per department orders.

Answer 8

jj has the answer.