Car accidents caused during police chases are an increasing concern for law enforcement, residents and insurance companies in the Modesto area. On February 26, 2010, Ceres police arrested three men after a high-speed chase that led officers through town at speeds up to 90 mph. The chase resulted in a wrecked police car and damage to residential property.
The risk of property damage, personal injury or even death in police chases is often exacerbated by the use of drugs or alcohol by fleeing drivers. On February 20, 2010, a Merced man was arrested after he fled from police, eventually crashing his 1997 Acura Legend into a pickup truck after running a red light. The chase took place mostly on residential streets, increasing up to speeds near 100 mph. The police determined that the driver was intoxicated at the time and had methamphetamines and marijuana in his possession.
Car accidents and personal injury are often the result of this sort of risky behavior. According to PursuitSAFETY, a consumer advocacy group that works to increase the safety of police chases, 40% of police chases end in a collision. Further, the organization estimates that 20% of those cases end in serious injury, 1% of which result in death. This equals about 300 deaths a year, one-third of which are innocent bystanders.
The effects of car crashes and police chases in the Modesto area have far-reaching results. When someone you know has been injured or killed in an auto accident as a result of a police chase, it's important to know your rights. A Modesto personal injury lawyer can help you sort out the facts of the case to assign fault and recover damages for your loss.
