What Happens When a Police Car Hits Your Vehicle?

No matter who is involved, car accidents are stressful--but what happens if a police officer hits your car? Many drivers in Pennsylvania are not sure how these situations work. These situations can feel overwhelming, but the truth is: you still have rights.

Although these crashes do not happen often, they can leave drivers feeling confused and uncertain about what steps to take next. This guide will explain what to do after a crash, your rights, and how Pennsylvania law applies when a police vehicle is involved.

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Understanding Your Rights After an Accident Involving the Police

If you get into an accident with another driver, you typically exchange insurance information and file a claim. However, what happens if a police officer hits your car? 

Pennsylvania law refers to a concept known as sovereign immunity. This means that government agencies, including state and local police officers and  police departments, are usually protected from lawsuits, however, there are exceptions. 

If the police officer was negligent, meaning they were not being careful and caused the accident, you may still have a case. Examples include:

• An officer rear-ending your car while driving distracted
• A police car swerving into your lane while not responding to an emergency
• An officer running a red light without their sirens or lights on

Under these circumstances, where the police car has struck you, Pennsylvania law may allow victims to pursue compensation, just like in accidents with other civilians.

There is a second exception to police immunity. If the police officer’s conduct was done in such manner as to knowingly deprive you of your civil rights, the officer may be liable under the Federal Civil Rights Acts. This exception has been used to bring actions for personal injuries and wrongful death against police officers who were involved in dangerous high-speed pursuits through busy city streets. This litigation requires actual proof that the officer or the police department engaged in conduct that they knew would result in death or injury to you.

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What to Do Immediately After a Police Car Hits Your Vehicle

While it can feel intimidating to be hit by a police car, the steps you take right after can make a huge difference. Even though the other driver is a police officer, it is essential to protect yourself the same way you would in any crash.

Here is what to do:

• Remain calm and safe. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location.
• Call 911. Even if there are already officers at the scene, ensure that the crash is officially reported.
• Collect details. Write down the officer’s name, badge number, and the police car’s vehicle number.
• Capture photos. Take pictures of both cars, the scene of the accident, and any injuries that occurred.
• Gather witnesses. Request the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
• Seek medical care. Even if you think you feel fine, injuries sometimes show up later.

These steps will help document what happened and protect you if you need to file a claim. The more information you gather at the scene, the stronger your case maybe.

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How to Prove the Police Car Was at Fault

Proving who was responsible for the crash comes down to the available evidence. If you are wondering what happens when a police car hits you and you believe the officer was at fault, here’s what may help:

• Dashcam or traffic camera footage
• Witness statements from people who saw the crash
• Photos showing damage, skid marks, and the site of the crash
• Requesting the police report documenting what happened

If the police officer was speeding, distracted, or breaking traffic laws, then this evidence might help prove negligence. Once you know what evidence can show who was responsible, it is easier to understand the different ways these accidents can happen.

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Common Scenarios When a Police Car Hits Your Vehicle

When a cop crashes into you, it helps you to understand that these crashes often follow similar patterns. Here are a few common ways accidents with police cars occur:

• Officer speeding through a red light: If no lights or sirens were on, the police officer may be held responsible.
• Rear-end collisions: A distracted officer can crash into the back of your car.
• Swerving into your lane: A police car may sideswipe or unexpectedly cut your vehicle off.

Crashes with police vehicles can be very intimidating, leaving you with injuries, medical bills, and anxiety about what comes next. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, but you are not alone. Even if a police car is involved, Pennsylvania law still protects your rights and provides you with options.

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Contact Us for a Free Case Review

Cases involving police vehicles differ from regular crashes. They deal with sovereign immunity, a law in Pennsylvania that protects government agencies from many lawsuits--but some exceptions may still allow you or somebody who was injured to bring a case if a police officer was at fault.

At Edgar Snyder & Associates, we understand how confusing and stressful these situations can feel. Going up against a police department may seem intimidating, but you do not have to do it alone. For decades, our team has been trusted by people across Pennsylvania to protect their rights after serious accidents. 

Your consultation is free, confidential, and comes without any obligation. There is also no fee unless we win your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with a police car, contact us today. Our car accident lawyers will carefully review your case, explain your options, and fight to get the compensation and justice you deserve.

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FAQs

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Can I sue the police if they hit my car in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you may be able to. Pennsylvania law includes sovereign immunity, which protects government agencies, like police departments, from lawsuits. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If a police officer caused your crash by driving carelessly--such as being distracted, speeding without sirens and lights, or running a red light--you have the right to seek compensation. An attorney can review the details of your situation and explain whether your case qualifies under Pennsylvania law.

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What if the officer did not have sirens or lights on?

If a police officer was driving too fast, ran a red light, or made another dangerous maneuver without turning on sirens or flashing lights, that can be considered negligence. Negligence means the officer failed to act with the care a reasonable driver should, which can put them at fault for the crash. Emergency sirens and lights are intended to warn others, and failing to use them can increase the chance of getting into an accident. In these situations, police departments may be held responsible.

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Will my insurance cover damage if a police car hits me?

Depending on your coverage, your insurance may cover some initial costs, such as car repairs or medical bills. However, if the police officer was at fault, you may be entitled to more than what your insurance provides. A claim against the police department could cover larger losses, including additional compensation for long-term medical care, lost income, or pain and suffering that your insurance may not cover alone.

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What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Pennsylvania follows a law known as modified comparative negligence, which ensures victims can still receive compensation if they were less than 51% at fault. However, this can get somewhat complicated as police officers have limited immunity, making it harder to prove them at fault for the crash. Even if you were partly at fault for the accident, it is critical to still contact us so our team can review your case and get you the justice you deserve.

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What should I do first if a police car hits me?

The most important thing is to remain calm and safe. Call 911 so the crash is officially reported, even if there are already officers on the scene. Collect the officer’s badge number and vehicle number, take photos of any damage or injuries that occurred, and get contact information of any witnesses of the crash. Finally, even if you do not feel injured right away, it is vital to seek medical attention. These steps will help protect your health and your rights.