Police officers are tasked with protecting members of the public. In cases where a car accident occurs, those individuals involved typically contact local police who respond accordingly. What happens, however, in cases where a police officer is accused of causing a car accident?

One man, who suffered injuries as a result of a car accident, recently filed a lawsuit against the West Virginia State Police. According to the lawsuit, the man contends he was driving along when his car was struck by the vehicle of an on-duty police officer.

As a result of the collision, the car that the man was driving violently veered off of the road and struck a utility pole. The man sustained numerous and painful injuries in the car accident including those to his back and ribs. As a result of his injuries, the man incurred thousands of dollars in medical expenses and was forced to take time off of work.

He recently filed a lawsuit in which he named the West Virginia State Police as being negligent in contributing to his injuries by employing the on-duty police officer who caused the accident. He is seeking damages related to physical pain and mental anguish, lost wages and medical expenses.

Regardless of status or position, individuals who are negligent in causing car accidents in which other drivers or passengers are injured should be held responsible. By taking legal action in the form of a personal injury lawsuit, individuals injured in car accidents can recover compensation related to painful and debilitating injuries as well as medical expenses and lost wages.

Source: The West Virginia Record, “Man sues State Police for car accident injuries,” Kayla Asbury, May 2, 2013