Being subjected to police brutality is a traumatic experience that can leave victims feeling powerless. Whether you’ve faced excessive force, wrongful arrest, or other forms of misconduct, knowing what to do immediately afterward can make all the difference in protecting your rights and building a strong legal case.
At Steering Law, we specialize in representing victims of police abuse and have secured millions in settlements for our clients. If you’ve experienced brutality by law enforcement, schedule a free case evaluation with our team today to discuss your legal options.
Immediate Steps to Take After Police Brutality
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety come first. Even if your injuries seem minor, get examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records serve as crucial evidence linking your injuries to the incident. Delaying treatment can give police departments an excuse to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by them.
2. Document Everything
Evidence disappears quickly, so take these steps to preserve it:
- Photograph injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling) from multiple angles.
- Save torn or bloodied clothing—it can support claims of excessive force.
- Write down everything you remember, including officers’ names, badge numbers, and what was said.
3. Collect Witness Information
Bystanders and other witnesses can make or break your case. If possible, get their:
- Names and contact details
- Statements about what they saw (ask them to write it down or record a video)
4. Request Body Camera & Surveillance Footage
Many police departments in California, including the LAPD and SFPD, use body cameras. However, departments don’t always release footage willingly. A lawyer can file a public records request to secure this critical evidence before it’s deleted.
5. Avoid Posting on Social Media
Police departments and their lawyers often scour victims’ social media for anything to use against them. Even innocent posts can be misconstrued, so stay offline until your case is resolved.
Why You Need a Specialized Civil Rights Attorney
Police brutality cases are not like other personal injury claims. Law enforcement agencies have powerful legal teams, qualified immunity defenses, and systems designed to protect officers—even when they’ve done wrong. A general practice lawyer won’t have the expertise to navigate these challenges.
How Steering Law Fights for Victims
Our firm has a proven track record of taking on police departments and winning, including:
- $1,000,000 settlement for a client brutally beaten during an unlawful arrest
- $750,000 recovery in an excessive force case where officers used a taser unnecessarily
- Multiple six-figure verdicts for wrongful arrests and racial profiling
We know how to:
- Investigate police misconduct thoroughly (obtaining bodycam footage, police reports, and witness statements)
- Challenge qualified immunity defenses
- Negotiate strong settlements or take cases to trial when needed
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If your case succeeds, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, medications)
- Lost wages (if injuries prevented you from working)
- Pain and suffering (compensation for emotional trauma)
- Punitive damages (in cases of especially egregious misconduct)
Don’t Wait—Act Now
Evidence in police brutality cases disappears fast:
- Body camera footage may be automatically deleted after 30-180 days (depending on the department).
- Witnesses forget details over time.
- Statutes of limitations in California give you only 2 years to file most police misconduct lawsuits.
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Steering Law
If you or a loved one has suffered police brutality, you don’t have to fight alone. Steering Law offers:
✅ Free, confidential case evaluations
✅ No fees unless we win your case
✅ Experienced attorneys who know how to challenge police departments
Take the first step toward justice today. Visit our website or call us now to schedule your free consultation.
Key Takeaways:
- Seek medical help immediately and document injuries.
- Gather evidence (photos, witness info, bodycam requests).
- Hire a specialized civil rights attorney—police cases require expertise.
- Act fast—critical evidence disappears quickly.
Don’t let police brutality go unanswered. Contact Steering Law today.