Aggressive Advocacy
fWhen you’re involved in a car accident with a police officer, the legal path forward can feel intimidating and unclear. These cases are unlike typical car crashes and the consequences for victims can be severe. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands both Texas civil law and government liability is so critical.
Our attorneys don’t just handle routine car accident cases. We’re equipped to deal with the layers of legal immunity, procedural hurdles, and evidence issues that arise in collisions involving police vehicles.
Whether the officer was off-duty, responding to an emergency, or failed to follow basic traffic laws, we know how to uncover the facts and hold the right party accountable. Call (817) 335-4357 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
We offer:
Police accident cases require careful handling, especially when you’re facing resistance from city lawyers or insurance adjusters who assume the officer did nothing wrong. Our attorneys aren’t intimidated by uniformed defendants. We’re here to make sure you don’t get overlooked or dismissed.
A crash involving a police officer can mean many things: a squad car running a red light, an officer speeding without lights or sirens, or even an off-duty officer causing a wreck in a personal vehicle. What sets these accidents apart is the added legal complexity.
Many people don’t realize that suing a police department or officer in Texas isn’t as straightforward as a regular car accident claim. Law enforcement officers often have qualified immunity, and claims against government entities must follow strict rules under the Texas Tort Claims Act. If you don’t file notice properly or miss deadlines, you could lose your right to seek damages altogether.
That’s why it’s so important to speak to an attorney as early as possible. A delay could cost you your entire case.
The steps you take in the minutes after a crash with a police officer can significantly affect your safety, your rights, and your ability to file a claim later. Even though the other driver is a law enforcement officer, the process should be treated with the same urgency and care as any other car accident.
Yes. Just like any other crash, you are legally required to stop, check for injuries, and exchange information even if the other driver is an on-duty police officer. Do not assume that because the officer is in uniform or driving a marked patrol car that you can leave the scene. Failing to stop can be considered a hit-and-run.
Take down:
If the officer refuses to give you information or discourages you from calling another officer to the scene, that should be documented as well.
Yes, always call 911—even if the other driver is an officer. Some officers may try to handle the crash internally or “off the record,” especially if they believe they were at fault. This is never in your best interest. Having a neutral third-party officer write the report helps ensure the facts are documented objectively.
Request that a supervisor or another officer from a different department respond to the scene if necessary. Be calm and respectful but protect your rights.
Gather as much evidence as possible, especially if the officer appears to be in the wrong. Use your smartphone to:
If you notice the officer trying to alter the scene or make verbal excuses (“I didn’t see the light,” “I was responding to something urgent”), note those statements immediately.
Yes—even if you feel fine. Accidents involving police vehicles often occur at high speeds or in unpredictable traffic scenarios, which can lead to head trauma, spinal injuries, or internal damage that isn’t immediately obvious.
You’ll also need medical records to support any future injury claim. Visiting a hospital or urgent care the same day not only protects your health. It documents your injuries and shows that you took them seriously.
Absolutely. Contact your insurance company to report the crash but avoid making recorded statements until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney. When a police officer is involved, fault and liability can quickly become contested.
That’s where we come in. The Fort Worth police accident attorneys at the Previte Law Firm can advise you on what to say, help you avoid legal traps, and begin preserving the evidence needed to build your case.
It is possible to file a claim or lawsuit after a car accident involving a police officer—but these cases are more complicated than regular auto accidents. Government agencies and their employees have special legal protections that can limit your right to sue unless very specific criteria are met.
That’s why it’s so important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney as early as possible. Missing a procedural step can result in your claim being denied completely.
Police officers are often protected by qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that shields them from personal liability when performing official duties—unless they acted with gross negligence or outside the scope of their job.
In Texas, claims involving police crashes generally fall under the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA). This law allows people to sue the government in limited circumstances, such as when an employee (like a police officer) causes a crash while operating a government vehicle in the course of their job.
However, there are many exceptions. For instance, if the officer was responding to an emergency with lights and sirens on and was following department policy, the department may not be liable even if someone was injured.
Yes. If the officer was off-duty and using their personal vehicle, they are typically treated just like any other private citizen. In those situations, qualified immunity usually does not apply. However, if the officer was working a side job using a department vehicle or wearing a uniform, liability could still fall on the department, making things more complex.
Each situation depends on the facts, which is why our attorneys investigate every detail to determine who can be held responsible.
Depending on the circumstances, your claim might be filed against:
In Texas, municipalities can be held liable under the TTCA for the negligent operation of a motor vehicle by a government employee but only if very specific notice and timing rules are followed.
The biggest risk in suing a police department or officer is missing the deadline to file a proper notice. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act:
Failing to provide notice can be fatal to your case. That’s why we act fast, prepare accurate documentation, and ensure all legal procedures are met right from the start.
Not all collisions with law enforcement qualify for a claim under Texas law—but many do. The key question is whether the officer’s actions were negligent or outside the bounds of policy or legal immunity.
At the Previte Law Firm, our Fort Worth car accident attorneys have experience handling both common and uncommon police-involved accident scenarios. Below are examples of the types of cases we investigate and litigate.
Some of the most frequently seen crashes involving police vehicles include:
We also help clients navigate more complex or rare cases that are often misunderstood or mishandled by less experienced lawyers, such as:
The type of accident can determine:
That’s why we conduct thorough investigations, including reviewing body cam footage, dispatch logs, vehicle GPS data, and police pursuit policies. Understanding the type of crash isn’t just a detail. It’s a crucial piece of your claim’s success.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a police officer, you’re likely facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. Many victims hesitate to pursue claims because they’re unsure whether compensation is even possible when a government agency is involved. The truth is: if the officer or department was negligent, you may be entitled to full damages, just like in any other personal injury case.
The Fort Worth police accident attorneys at the Previte Law Firm help victims understand exactly what they can claim and fight to maximize their recovery.
If your claim is allowed under the Texas Tort Claims Act, you can pursue the same categories of compensation as in a standard car accident, including:
While punitive damages are generally not allowed in claims against Texas government entities, you may still be able to recover substantial compensatory damages, especially if the injuries are serious or permanent.
Yes. The Texas Tort Claims Act places limits on how much a victim can recover from a government entity, including:
These limits apply when the defendant is a governmental unit, like a city police department or sheriff’s office. However, if the officer was acting outside the scope of employment, or if a private contractor or third party was involved, those caps may not apply.
Every case is different. Factors that influence the value of your claim include:
That’s why our attorneys take the time to evaluate each case carefully. We don’t just look at your medical bills—we look at your entire life and what’s been affected. Our goal is to pursue every dollar you’re legally entitled to, while protecting you from delays, denials, or lowball settlements.
Police accident cases come with unique legal hurdles that don’t apply to ordinary car accidents. These challenges can make it much harder for victims to recover compensation unless they have an experienced attorney guiding them through the process.
At the Previte Law Firm, we know how to navigate these legal landmines—and we act fast to protect your rights from day one.
Crashes involving law enforcement are different because:
What would be a straightforward injury case with another driver becomes a highly procedural legal battle when the other party wears a badge.
If the officer broke departmental rules like engaging in an unauthorized pursuit, using a cellphone while driving, or failing to activate emergency lights this may help overcome immunity.
Internal policy violations aren’t just bad optics. They can be crucial pieces of evidence that show negligence or recklessness. Our legal team obtains policy manuals, discipline records, and internal affairs reports when appropriate to support our clients’ claims.
Yes. Officers are often given the benefit of the doubt in accident investigations, especially if their fellow officers respond to the crash scene. Police reports may be biased, or key evidence might go uncollected.
In addition, victims may feel intimidated or hesitant to challenge an officer’s version of events. That’s why we conduct independent investigations, preserve video evidence, speak to civilian witnesses, and ensure that no one is above accountability.
Not always. In some cases, departments may delay releasing evidence, deny liability outright, or discourage victims from filing claims. This is especially common in crashes involving high-ranking officers or policy violations.
Our attorneys file preservation letters early, demand open records under the Texas Public Information Act, and take legal steps to secure the evidence needed to pursue justice.
If you were hit by a police car or injured in any crash involving law enforcement—the actions you take in the first few hours and days can make or break your case. Unlike typical car accidents, these cases involve complex legal standards, tight deadlines, and high-stakes government procedures.
The Fort Worth car accident attorneys at the Previte Law Firm are here to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’re physically able, here’s what we recommend doing right away:
Texas law may require you to file a formal notice of claim within as little as 60–90 days, depending on the city. Missing this step, even if your case is strong, can permanently bar your right to sue.
That’s why we step in quickly to:
We understand what’s at stake and we’ll do everything we can to make sure your case gets the attention and justice it deserves.
Choosing the right attorney after an accident with a police officer is one of the most important decisions you can make. These cases demand more than just legal knowledge. They require courage, precision, and an attorney who won’t back down from a complex fight.
At the Previte Law Firm, we focus on helping injured Texans stand up to powerful entities including local police departments, city governments, and their insurance teams.
Fort Worth personal injury attorney Paul Previte has spent decades fighting for individuals injured in serious car accidents, including those involving government and police vehicles. He has:
We know how to navigate sovereign immunity laws, gather evidence quickly, and take on cases others avoid.
When you’re facing a system that often protects its own, you need a legal team that puts your needs first—and has the skill to go up against government-backed insurers.
Yes. We represent clients across Fort Worth, Haltom City, Arlington, North Richland Hills, River Oaks, and surrounding areas in Tarrant County. We also handle cases on major highways and roads where police-involved crashes frequently occur, including:
If you were injured in any of these areas, or anywhere in Texas, we’re ready to help. Speak with our Fort Worth accident attorneys today by calling (817) 335-4357. No fee unless we win your case.