Louisville pedestrians interact with all different kinds of vehicles, including emergency and police vehicles. This raises certain questions when there are accidents, but the fact remains that the possibility of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities is still present with these vehicles.
A 17-year-old pedestrian has been identified as the victim in a fatal accident that happened around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, according to WAVE. The pedestrian was walking on Bank Street in the Portland neighborhood of Louisville when he was struck by an off-duty Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officer in an unmarked vehicle. He was not in a crosswalk at the time of being struck, but the boy was transported to University of Louisville Hospital. He later died of his injuries.
LMPD is still investigating the accident.
Does it Matter if a Police Officer is Off-Duty When They Cause an Accident?
While police officers are exempt from certain laws while they’re behind the wheel of their vehicle, this actually doesn’t apply if they’re off-duty. At that point, they’re like any other driver. As the story above shows, though, an accident with a police vehicle carries the same risk of injuries. So, it then becomes important to know how you, the victim, need to respond:
- Check for injuries and move to safety. Help anyone hurt, including police officers, and move vehicles off the road if possible.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical aid. Swap contact and insurance details with all parties involved.
- Document the scene by taking photos and videos of the accident and any relevant details.
- Expect a police report from a different agency investigating the accident.
- Seek medical attention promptly, even for minor injuries, and keep records.
- Know that the police department may internally investigate the accident.
Often, you have to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages against a government agency like a police department, since they aren’t subject to insurance claims. Like any other accident, your injuries and other damages can be severe, particularly if you’re a pedestrian. Here’s what you can recover in a successful claim:
- Medical expenses for treatment and care.
- Lost income, encompassing both present and future wages and benefits.
- Reduced future earning potential.
- Physical pain and suffering resulting from injuries.
- Permanent impairments, disfigurement, or disabilities.
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life.
Obviously, figuring out liability in this situation is difficult. That’s where our team of experienced Louisville pedestrian accident lawyers can come in. With our experience, we can assess negligence, evaluate your injuries and damages, and overall can make the process much easier on you.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Louisville Pedestrian Accident
If you have a car accident involving a police car or emergency vehicle in Louisville, it can really change things for you. If this happens, the experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can help.
We know how to deal with these kinds of cases, so we can stand up to the police department or government if they don’t keep you safe. Don’t wait—contact us now for a free consultation and start moving towards getting the help you need.
