Police Chase Car-Accidents And Miami’s No-Pursuit Policy

High-speed police chases are not just something you see in movies or on television. They can happen in real life and pose serious risks. Racing along traffic-congested highways and through residential neighborhoods creates hazards for innocent bystanders. Find out more about police chase-related car accidents in Miami and how the city’s no-pursuit policy is designed to prevent them.

High Speed Police Chases Increase Car Accident Risks 

For law enforcement officials, apprehending criminals is a dangerous business. Rather than having to face the consequences of their actions, suspects may attempt to flee the scene. This is particularly common when it comes to traffic stops or if a getaway car is present. High-speed police chases can result.

Before pursuing a suspect, police need to weigh the benefits and the risks. Drivers attempting to evade arrest often behave erratically and it is not uncommon for innocent motorists to inadvertently get involved, often suffering serious personal injuries as a result.

According to BMJ Journals, over 300 people are killed each year during police pursuits. Over half of all victims are drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists who are not the target of the chase. These types of crashes often happen due to dangerous driving behaviors on the part of suspects, which include:

• Speeding and going too fast for conditions;
• Driving the wrong way on one way streets;
• Running red lights and stop signs;
• Swerving in and out of lanes and passing other motorists in an unsafe manner.

To Protect Local Residents, Miami Police Have No-Pursuit Policy

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has clear rules in regards to police chases.

Officers need to weigh the potential hazards and benefits before engaging in vehicle pursuits and under no circumstances are they to give chase if it could put innocent bystanders in harm’s way. To prevent police chase-related car accidents, and the liability local police departments incur as a result, many cities have instituted ‘no-pursuit’ policies. This is the case in Miami, but there are still risks.

According to a May 6, 2022 NBC 6 South Florida News report, a local woman was recently killed by a driver who had previously been the target of a police chase. The incident began in North Bay Village, when an on-duty officer noticed a motorist traveling at a high rate of speed. He attempted to apprehend the driver, but broke off the chase due to the no-pursuit policy. Just a short time later, the same car collided with the victim’s at the intersection of Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 82nd Street.

Injured In A Crash? Contact Our Miami Car Accident Lawyers 

While designed to help protect innocent motorists, no pursuit policies can allow potentially dangerous people to put the general public at risk. If you or someone you love is injured in this type of crash, reach out to Pita Weber Del Prado. We help you get the compensation you need to recover. Give us a call at 305-670-2889 or contact our Miami car accident lawyers online today and request a consultation.

Sources:

fdle.state.fl.us/FCJEI/Programs/SLP/Documents/Full-Text/eisenberg-clyde-paper.aspx#:~:text=Law%20enforcement%20officers%20could%20only,to%20house%2C%E2%80%9D%202006

nbcmiami.com/news/local/fatal-car-crash-closes-portion-of-biscayne-boulevard-in-northeast-miami/2753962/

injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/10/2/93