Pennsylvania State Trooper Sued For Fatal Pursuit
While everyone can agree that protecting justice is important in Pennsylvania, a recent case calls into question the cost we are willing to pay for our safety. A state trooper is now being sued by the mother of a motorist who died in a pursuit that occurred under questionable circumstances. This lawsuit brings up important questions about collateral damage, the safety of police pursuits, and whether police should even be allowed to initiate reckless, high-speed chases. If you have been injured due to a police pursuit that spiraled out of control in Pennsylvania, you might be wondering about your own legal options.
Mother Sues State Trooper for Forcing Her Son’s Car Off the Road
On December 13th of 2023, it was reported that a Pennsylvania State Trooper was facing a personal injury lawsuit from a mother who had lost a son. The mother alleges that this trooper forced her son’s car off the road, sending him directly into a tree. Due to the impact with the tree, her son lost his life.
Many observers – including the mother’s attorneys – claim that this is a civil rights issue. They point out that the victim’s crime was simply lacking a registration plate – a minor traffic infraction that may carry a fine as low as $50. For whatever reason, the state troopers responding to this “emergency” decided that it was worth engaging in a high-speed pursuit that not only put the suspect in danger, but also average Pennsylvania residents in the vicinity.
The defendants apparently carried out what is known as a PIT maneuver – a technique that involves ramming into the rear wheel of the target vehicle in order to destabilize it. The plaintiff’s attorney calls this a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects US citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Representatives of the defendant, along with the local state police, failed to respond to these allegations as of this writing.
Should Pennsylvania Police Engage in High-Speed Pursuits?
It is worth mentioning that various police departments have adopted “no-pursuit” policies in an attempt to limit collateral damage and preventable harm. In Philadelphia, police are required to follow very strict guidelines and protocols before initiating pursuits. In 2015, Pittsburgh unveiled a new policy that prevents police officers from engaging in pursuits unless the suspect is engaged in a violent felony.
Find a Qualified Injury Attorney in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Scranton personal injury lawyer, look no further than the Needle Law Firm. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs pursue justice and compensation after car accidents. We understand that various car accidents in the Keystone State may be caused by negligent, reckless police officers. With our assistance, you can assess your legal options during a consultation. Reach out today.
Sources:
altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2023/12/trooper-sued-over-deadly-chase/
legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.013..HTM
wesa.fm/identity-justice/2015-11-25/pittsburgh-police-revise-use-of-force-pursuit-policy-following-bloomfield-crash
