All drivers are aware that when you see police lights or hear the sirens, you get out of the way and move over to let them pass through. But on some occasions, the police officer is chasing a suspect in another vehicle at such a high rate of speed that there is no time to react. In fact, there are sadly some instances in which the police car or suspected criminal collides with an innocent driver’s vehicle during the pursuit of the suspect.

What happens if one of the cars involved in a high speed pursuit causes bodily harm or even death to the innocent driver or passengers in a car? The city that employs the police officer should be held accountable for the injuries and/or death. The city should pay for the medical bills and/or for the value of the life lost in the collision.

The police of course have a right to go after a criminal. But when doing so requires them to drive at such a high rate of speed that it becomes dangerous for the public, they are supposed to back off. When they don’t it might be a lawsuit.

Let’s take a look at a recent example of this type of tragedy. In 2020, a City of Chicago police officer was pursuing a suspect and crashed into a vehicle in Auburn Gresham driven by a citizen named Kevin Spicer. His 10-year-old daughter, Da’Karia Spicer, and younger son, Dhaamir Spicer were passengers in the car. Kevin and Dhaamir suffered injuries but survived. Da’Karia was killed in the accident.

The case went to court where the question was not about who was liable or responsible. Both parties agreed that the police office employed by the City of Chicago caused the crash. The cop shouldn’t have been driving that fast and was negligent. The question was, what was the appropriate amount of damages to award the Spicer family for the loss of their beloved daughter?

Both parties agreed that $1 million was the right amount for past medical costs and future therapy costs. But they did not agree on what the amount should be for loss to society, grief, sorrow, and mental suffering.

The lawyers representing the city asked jurors to set aside their emotions and to focus on what is fair and reasonable under the law. They suggested a settlement of $11.6 million. Spicer’s attorneys recommended more than $117 million for the tragic loss of Da’Karia.

The jury came back with a verdict calling for the city to pay Spicer’s family $79.85 million. While that amount is unusually high, it shows you what these cases can be worth if the police are not following the laws they are supposed to enforce.

It is critical in a case like this to have attorneys who are experienced with this situation representing you. If you or someone you know has been injured in a police pursuit, call us at 312-346-5320. Time is of the essence as there are strict limitations for bringing a case. We help with these claims everywhere in Illinois.