Legal Implications of Police Chases: Our Queens Car Accident Lawyers Weigh in on Jackson Heights Crash

A chaotic scene unfolded early Sunday morning in Jackson Heights, Queens, when a high-speed police chase ended with a car careening onto the sidewalk and striking pedestrians at the intersection of 80th Street and Northern Boulevard. The incident, which sent two people to the hospital, raises serious questions about public safety during police pursuits and the accountability of reckless drivers.

The chase began around 2 a.m. in Astoria when NYPD officers attempted a routine traffic stop. Instead of complying, the driver of a white BMW sped away, leading police on a two-mile pursuit. The chase ended when the vehicle crashed into an FDNY call box near Northern Boulevard, narrowly avoiding a restaurant.

Unfortunately, the out-of-control vehicle struck four pedestrians, two of whom required hospitalization. A 23-year-old man suffered a leg laceration, and a 28-year-old woman sustained back injuries. Both are reported to be in stable condition. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one local resident, Danny Rojas, expressing relief that no lives were lost and hoping for justice.

The driver fled the scene on foot and remains at large. However, a passenger in the BMW was taken into custody. The NYPD has yet to release the reason for the initial traffic stop or further details about the driver’s identity.

The Risks of Police Chases in Urban Areas

This incident highlights the significant dangers posed by high-speed police chases in densely populated neighborhoods like Jackson Heights. While apprehending dangerous suspects is an essential law enforcement function, pursuits often place innocent pedestrians and bystanders at risk. Questions arise about whether alternative strategies could have been employed to avoid endangering the public.

Legal Rights of Injured Pedestrians

For the pedestrians injured in this crash, there may be options to seek compensation for their injuries. Victims of police chases may have claims against:

• The reckless driver: Drivers who evade police and cause injuries can be held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Municipal entities: In some cases, law enforcement agencies may be found partially responsible if pursuit protocols were not properly followed or if the risks of continuing the chase outweighed the benefits of apprehension.

In New York, filing claims against government entities involves unique legal challenges, including stricter filing deadlines and the need to prove negligence. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is critical to navigating these complexities.

Safety First: Preventing Future Incidents

While police chases are sometimes necessary, incidents like this one underscore the need for a balance between effective law enforcement and public safety. Alternative tactics, such as deploying GPS tracking or coordination with other units, may reduce the risks associated with high-speed pursuits in urban settings.

Contact a top-rated Queens Car Accident Lawyer

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our experienced Queens car accident lawyers have a proven track record of representing injured pedestrians and other victims of reckless driving and police chase. With over a century of experience handling complex personal injury cases, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing maximum compensation for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation. Whether your case involves a police pursuit, reckless driving, or another form of negligence, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.