The Dangers of Police Car Chases

Police car chases are incredibly dangerous. Regardless, drivers sometimes believe they can outrun law enforcement. Despite their efforts, they get caught. And their actions can cause you and other innocent drivers to get hurt.

If a negligent motorist attempts to evade the police and slams their vehicle into yours during a police car chase, seek legal help. Partner with a Tulsa car accident lawyer who is prepared to prioritize your case. You and your attorney can hold a liable motorist accountable for their negligence.

What are the dangers of police car chases?

According to data released in 2024, approximately one in four people killed in Oklahoma law enforcement car chases were not actively involved in these pursuits. In addition, roughly 40% of these fatalities were not the drivers attempting to avoid being tracked down by the police.

Ultimately, you have no control over what happens in a police car chase. Law enforcement officers will flash their vehicle’s lights, and you will hear sirens as they chase after a driver. You can pull your car to the side of the road. Yet, even if you do, there’s no guarantee that any of the parties involved in the chase will avoid crashing into your vehicle.

Let’s not forget about the pedestrian dangers of police car chases. If you are walking or running near the road and a motorist is traveling faster than the posted speed limit, you may not have a chance to get out of the way. This driver could crash their vehicle into you, leaving you with a serious injury. In this scenario, hire Tulsa pedestrian accident lawyers, and they can help you get compensation for your accident-related losses.

Due to the increased speeds and erratic maneuvers that often accompany police pursuits, the result can oftentimes be fatal. With help from a Tulsa wrongful death lawyer, you can pursue justice and compensation from this driver or the police if they engaged in an improper or dangerous chase.

What losses could you suffer in a police car chase?

In 2024, Oklahoma ranked sixth among U.S. states in terms of the U.S. states with the highest death rates in police pursuits, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Tulsa car accident attorneys understand the risks associated with police car chases. Following any motor vehicle collision, including a police pursuit, you may seek compensation for a wide array of losses, including:

Costs to repair or replace your car

Auto repair and replacement expenses are among the biggest consequences of rear-end collisions and other police car crash accidents. You could lose your car for an extended period or have to replace it entirely. Thankfully, you can ask a liable motorist to cover your car repair and replacement costs, and to recoup you for rental expenses in the interim.

Medical bills

You may require extensive medical care following your collision. An experienced Tulsa accident lawyer will help you track and account for all of your past and future medical expenses when attempting to resolve your case.

Lost wages

Many of the most common mental and physical ailments caused by collision could make it difficult to work. A Tulsa auto collision attorney will remind you to contemporaneously track your lost wages and gather supporting documentation so that you can seek to be repaid for the time you missed from work.

Pain and suffering

It can be challenging to quantify the pain and suffering you experience after a car collision. Even so, injured parties have an absolute right to make claims for and/or sue for emotional distress in Oklahoma. An auto crash attorney can explain how non-economic damages such as pain and suffering can be quantified, often representing a significant portion of your overall settlement or verdict.

To recover these and other economic and non-economic compensation, meet with a Tulsa car accident lawyer to further understand the potential range of verdicts and settlements for cases like yours.

What should you do if you are the victim of a police car chase?

TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, reported that the number of traffic fatalities in Oklahoma has declined year over year in 2022 and 2023. Many drivers are following the rules of the road statewide. However, some choose to put safety on the back burner.

When it comes to responding to a police car chase, err on the side of caution. Use these tips to protect yourself and others in the initial moments and days after the incident.

Prioritize your health, well-being, and safety

If a motorist or police officer in a car chase causes any damage to your vehicle, move your vehicle to the side of the road, away from traffic. Call 911, and police officers and medical professionals will come to the scene. Police officers can collect information from you and others involved in the incident. Medical personnel can evaluate your injuries and, if necessary, take you to a hospital for further care.

Do not get involved in the chase

Take a deep breath, and resist the urge to follow the car that hit you. The police and a Tulsa car accident attorney can help you identify who is responsible for your accident.

Notify your auto insurance company

If you haven’t done so already, your Tulsa car accident lawyer can notify your insurer, guide you through the claims process and answer any questions about first-party or third-party insurance claims after a car accident.

Listen to your doctors

It is imperative that you listen to your medical providers’ instructions to treat your injuries. Make attendance at all of your appointments a priority and be sure to inform your attorney about each and every facility you receive treatment at to ensure they have a full and complete list of all the doctors you’ve seen so that they can include those bills as part of your demand package.

Make a claim for compensation

As established by Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 95(A)(3), there is a two year statute of limitations for negligence actions, including car wrecks. In most basic terms, that means you must either have your case settled or a lawsuit filed within two years of the date of your collision. Working with a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Tulsa can ensure you receive adequate compensation without running up against the statute of limitations, or if the insurance company isn’t willing to offer fair compensation, a seasoned lawyer will promptly file a lawsuit to avoid any unnecessary delay.

Ask for legal help with your police car chase accident case

You may believe your legal rights are limited if you get injured or incur other losses in an accident stemming from a police car chase. While you may feel overwhelmed and confused, the attorneys at Biby Law Firm understand the legal system and have analyzed thousands of cases over their legal career.

Biby Law Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers offer practical, prepared legal counsel to auto accident victims and many others throughout Oklahoma. We are available to discuss your police car chase collision case 24/7. To get started, contact our Oklahoma offices to schedule a free case consultation with our team.