Last July, Janice Harper sped down a dark highway with a state trooper signaling her to stop. Harper turned on her hazard lights, moved into the right lane, on her way to the roadside. The trooper’s dash-cam video shows the trooper speeding up, smashing into Harper’s car, sending it spinning and flipping upside down in a cloud of smoke.
Getting all the facts straight is essential when determining who is at fault in vehicle accidents. This can be difficult when injuries and trauma are involved. The Cleveland car accident attorneys at Paulozzi LPA have the resources to investigate an accident and help clients secure compensation.
The controversial and dangerous maneuver the trooper used is employed often to end pursuits. Known as the Precision Immobilization Technique or the PIT maneuver, it involves bumping into the side of a vehicle’s rear, causing the vehicle to spin out of control.
A recent Washington Post investigation found more than 30 people have been killed using the PIT technique, and it has left hundreds injured since 2016. Over half (18) deaths came during minor traffic stops. Passengers made up 10 of the 30, and four were bystanders or victims of the crime.
Some police agencies have discontinued using the PIT maneuver, calling it too risky and claiming it needlessly escalates routine traffic stops.
Harper survived the accident with minor injuries, but she was pregnant at the time of the accident, and initially thought she had lost the baby. She claims she waited for safer conditions to pull over. She has a pending lawsuit and wants the Arkansas state police agency to commit to changing the PIT maneuver policy.
In Harper’s case, most of the details of the accident were documented. In any vehicle accident, it is imperative to know what to do after an accident.
Documentation is the key to investigating for fault. If you are injured in an accident, seek immediate medical attention. After emergency personnel (EMS, police, fire, etc.) have been notified, collect relevant information, including:
Motor vehicle accident cases require timely investigations to collect all pertinent evidence. Accident reconstructionists may be employed to prove liability. This can be overwhelming while trying to heal and tend to your everyday responsibilities.
The Cleveland car accident attorneys at Paulozzi LPA can provide guidance and handle the insurance company interactions. We can work with healthcare providers and provide our own medical experts to help assess all the medical aspects of your case, making sure they are properly documented. Contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.
