One of the first things you should do when you’re involved in an accident is contact the local police. Typically, they respond to the accident scene and start investigating and gathering information. However, what happens if the other person involved is a police officer? The good news (relatively speaking), is that this doesn’t necessarily change your rights or what you can do legally.
According to a story from LEX18, a Madison County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested and charged with driving under the influence when he collided with a motorcycle on Saturday, July 20, 2024 in Richmond. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) responded to the call of a collision between a 2019 Maverick UTV and a 21-year-old motorcyclist on Charlie Norris Road. KSP investigators say the man driving the UTV was an off-duty Madison County deputy who was under the influence of alcohol. The deputy was on a gravel road and pulled out in front of the motorcyclist, resulting in the collision. The man on the motorcycle was taken to the University of Kentucky (UK) Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The deputy showed signs of being impaired, and was eventually arrested and taken to the Madison County Detention Center. He was charged with driving under the influence.
Can You File an Injury Claim Against a Police Officer?
Being in a motorcycle accident in Kentucky is challenging enough on its own, but when the police are involved, it adds a whole other layer of complexity. Fortunately, in accidents similar to the one above, the fact that the police officer was off-duty makes all the difference.
Basically, when a police officer (or any other public employee) is off-duty, you are allowed to file an injury claim against them as a private citizen, not in their status as an employee of the city, county, or state. If they’re on duty at the time of the accident they cause, you can still file an injury claim–it’s just that the process is a bit different.
Regardless, filing a claim against an off-duty police officer proceeds in much the same way as it would against anybody else. Their private insurance coverage will be responsible for covering your damages from the accident. Typically, this will include things like your:
- Medical expenses and treatment costs
- Ongoing care needs like physical therapy
- Lost income or other earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Wrongful death expenses in a fatal accident
- Punitive damages, if the negligence (like DUI) was intentional
Obviously, given the somewhat confusing nature of this type of accident, it’s helpful to have experienced legal guidance and support. Our Richmond personal injury lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can give you just that.
Dedicated Legal Support From Richmond Personal Injury Lawyers
Facing an accident with injuries in Richmond or anywhere else in Kentucky requires dedication and effective representation. Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC is proud to give that to all of our clients, regardless of the situation or who was at-fault. When you work with our team, we will:
- Explain your options
- Help you gather evidence
- Negotiate with the insurance company or lawyers
- Make the legal process simpler
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation.
