Cyclist in “Critical Condition” After Questionable Police Chase in Queens

A cyclist has suffered critical injuries in Queens, having been struck by vehicles involved in a police pursuit. Many witnesses say that this pursuit never should have happened – and that it needlessly endangered the lives of innocent bystanders. The presence of such a serious injury seems to validate this argument. What can you do after a bicycle accident in Queens? Can you pursue compensation with help from a personal injury lawyer?

 Police Pursuit Injures Innocent Cyclist in “Irresponsible” Pursuit 

In July of 2024, ABC News reported that a cyclist had suffered serious injuries after being struck by passing vehicles in a police pursuit. Officers say that they attempted to pull over a car because its license plate did not match the vehicle. When the vehicle refused to stop, the police initiated a pursuit. A short distance later, the vehicles involved struck a cyclist and caused him to suffer critical injuries. It is worth noting that the “crime” that triggered this pursuit was a relatively minor traffic infraction.

Witnesses were appalled to see such a dangerous pursuit on their streets. They note that although the cyclist was the only one injured, children could have also been hurt. One local woman called the police chase “irresponsible.”

That being said, it is important to note that it was the suspect who struck the cyclist – not the pursuing officers. While one might assume that this exonerates the officers, these kinds of situations aren’t always so clear-cut. You might argue that if the police had not pursued the suspect, the cyclist would not have been struck.

The driver who refused to stop was taken into custody on numerous charges, including leaving the scene of an accident, reckless endangerment, fleeing, resisting arrest, and various additional offenses.

Can You Sue a Police Department for Causing Bystander Injuries? 

Yes, it is theoretically possible to sue a police department for causing injuries to a bystander. Many have successfully taken legal action under these circumstances, especially if police officers violate their own written policies. For example, some departments have pursuit policies that dictate exactly when and how they are allowed to pursue suspects.

Public demand for “no-pursuit” policies is high. While police tend to argue that these pursuits are necessary to protect the public, average people have different opinions. One might argue that someone driving with the wrong plates does not endanger the public – unlike high-speed police chases.

 Key Takeaways 

• Many police chases end up hurting innocent bystanders
• Some police departments have “pursuit policies” that save lives
• You may sue a police department for causing your bicycle injuries in New York

 Find an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Forest Hills 

If you’ve been searching for an experienced personal injury lawyer in New York, look no further than Cohan Law, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs across New York. We know that a police chase can cause more harm than good – injuring innocent bystanders. No matter who caused your bicycle accident, you may have the opportunity to pursue compensation. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.

Source: 

abc7ny.com/post/queens-pedestrian-struck-amid-police-chase-astoria-police/15025749/