Springfield, Massachusetts – A Chicopee resident has filed a lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Police following a dirt bike crash that left him seriously injured during a pursuit in Springfield. The legal complaint alleges that a state trooper violated departmental policy and acted negligently, leading directly to the crash.
Justin Torres filed the lawsuit Monday in Hampden County Superior Court, naming the Massachusetts State Police and a trooper identified in court documents as John Doe. Torres claims the incident occurred in July 2023 while he and two other riders were traveling along St. James Avenue in Springfield.
Incident Overview
According to the complaint, Torres was operating a dirt bike on a public roadway when a state trooper in a marked cruiser began following the group. Operating a dirt bike on public roads is generally considered a minor traffic violation under Massachusetts law.
Torres alleges the trooper initiated a pursuit that lasted several minutes. His attorney, Springfield-based lawyer Timothy Kotfila, argues that the pursuit was not justified under state police policy.
The lawsuit contends that department guidelines allow motorcycle pursuits only if an officer or a member of the public is in immediate danger. Torres maintains that no such danger existed at the time of the incident.
Allegations Against the Trooper
Court documents claim that the trooper operated his cruiser in a negligent manner during the pursuit. The complaint alleges that the cruiser either struck Torres or forced him to swerve abruptly to avoid contact.
Torres states that while attempting to evade the cruiser, he lost control of his dirt bike near Nottingham Street in Springfield. He reportedly swerved over a curb and crashed into a tree.
The lawsuit further alleges that the trooper’s conduct amounted to battery and that his actions directly caused the crash and resulting injuries.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
As a result of the crash, Torres claims he suffered significant physical injuries. The complaint states that he sustained fractures in his right forearm that required three separate surgeries. The injuries allegedly caused pain, medical expenses, and ongoing recovery challenges.
Torres is seeking damages for his injuries, medical costs, and other related losses. His attorney has indicated that they intend to pursue full accountability through either a negotiated settlement or, if necessary, a jury trial.
Dispute Over Evidence
Torres and his legal team state they have not yet received camera footage or a written incident report related to the pursuit and crash. The attorney argues that once litigation is underway, such materials are subject to disclosure through the legal discovery process.
He has suggested that failure to provide the requested documentation could result in court-imposed sanctions.
Response From State Police
In response to inquiries about the case, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police stated that the agency cannot comment on pending litigation. However, officials indicated they will review the lawsuit and associated documents once they are formally served through standard court procedures.
The case now moves forward in Hampden County Superior Court, where both sides are expected to present their arguments as part of the civil legal process.
