Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers | November 21, 2025 | Car Accidents
Being involved in a car crash with a police vehicle can leave you uncertain about what to do next. These collisions raise questions about liability, responsibility, and how the law treats emergency vehicles.
If you were injured in Indianapolis, understanding the process can help you protect your rights and avoid common mistakes. The steps you take immediately—and in the days that follow—can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation.
Why Crashes With Police Vehicles Are Different
A collision with a police car is not handled the same way as a typical motor-vehicle accident. Police officers frequently drive in high-pressure situations. They may be responding to an emergency call, pursuing a suspect, or traveling with lights and sirens activated.
Under Indiana law, emergency vehicles may disregard certain traffic rules when acting within the scope of their duties. For example, they may go through red lights or exceed the speed limit in specific circumstances. However, this does not mean officers have unlimited freedom.
Even when responding to emergencies, they must still operate their vehicles with “due regard” for the safety of others. This balance—between the officer’s responsibilities and the public’s safety—is what makes these cases more complicated than a standard crash.
What To Do Immediately After the Crash
The moments following the collision are critical. First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel okay, some injuries may appear later. Next, call 9-1-1 (or ask someone to do so) to ensure police and emergency medical services arrive.
When the responding officer is from a police agency, they will investigate the crash. Stay calm and polite, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that might be used against you. Take photos (if you are able) of vehicle damage, the scene, road conditions, your injuries, and anything noteworthy like skid marks or weather.
Write down the name, badge number, and department of the police officer involved. Get contact information for any witnesses. All of these steps help preserve evidence for your case.
Make Sure the Crash Is Properly Reported
An official crash report is one of the most important documents in your case. If the responding agency prepares a report, ask for the report number and instructions on how to obtain a copy. Review it carefully once it becomes available. This report will form the foundation of any insurance claim and can help prevent disputes about how the collision occurred.
You should also notify your insurance company soon after the crash. Most policies require timely reporting. However, there is a key difference between notifying your insurer and giving a detailed recorded statement.
Do not provide a recorded statement to the police department’s internal claims unit or the government entity’s insurance adjuster before speaking with a lawyer. These agencies often have special legal protections, and their representatives may look for statements that limit their liability.
Document Your Medical Treatment
After any crash—especially one involving an emergency vehicle—you should obtain prompt medical care. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek an evaluation. Medical records not only protect your health but also provide crucial documentation of your injuries.
Keep copies of:
- Emergency room records
- Doctor or specialist visits
- Imaging results
- Medication receipts
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation notes
- Any instructions from your healthcare providers
Consistent medical documentation strengthens your claim and helps avoid arguments that your injuries were exaggerated or unrelated to the crash.
Be Cautious With Early Settlement Offers
Government entities and their insurers often act quickly after a police-vehicle crash. You may receive a settlement offer soon after the collision. While this may seem convenient, early offers rarely reflect the full value of a claim.
They may not account for future medical treatment, ongoing pain, lost income, or long-term recovery needs. Accepting an early offer closes your claim permanently. Once you sign, you cannot ask for more compensation later—even if new injuries appear or your condition worsens.
For this reason, it is generally best to have an attorney evaluate any offer before making a decision.
Moving Ahead With Confidence
Being injured in a crash with a police vehicle can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the situation alone. Focus first on your health, follow through with medical treatment, and keep all related documents organized.
Then, make sure the crash is properly reported, preserve as much evidence as possible, and understand that special rules apply to emergency vehicles.
For more information, please contact Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana, today.
We proudly serve Marion County and its surrounding areas.
Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers – Indianapolis Office
320 N Meridian St Suite 906
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 916-0000
