Who’s Liable in a Car Chase?

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Who’s Liable in a Car Chase?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Figuring out liability in car chase accidents is often simple, particularly if the person chasing causes damage to property or injures people. However, it isn’t always clear who is liable in these cases when either the person being chased or both parties involved are responsible for damages. Car accident attorneys help determine who is liable in accidents resulting from car chases.

Determining Liability

There are certain circumstances surrounding most car accidents, each of which may result in a different party being held liable depending on who was negligent.

If you are chasing someone with a vehicle, you could be held liable for damages caused by reckless driving if you disregard the safety of others during the chase. As long as the damages were foreseeable or preventable in the eyes of both authorities and car accident lawyers, drivers are potentially liable for all damages caused.

People who are chased by another civilian vehicle can also be held liable if they are found to have displayed negligence throughout the chase, including checking text messages and causing accidents as a result. If you are forced to cause certain damages in order to preserve your own well being, however, the driver chasing you may be held liable for subsequent damages you cause.

Police chases are different from other kinds of chases because police officers are often exempt from typical traffic laws while pursuing suspects. Authorities are given more power to carry out duties, but if an officer is found to cause damage unreasonably, he or she may be viewed as the negligent party in court.

Take the Right Steps

After any car accident, you should take the proper steps, including taking photos for evidence and contacting a car accident lawyer. With the right representation, victims of car accidents in unlawful car chases can ensure that negligent parties are held liable for their actions.