A recent tragedy occurred in downtown Wichita when two occupants of a Toyota Camry were killed in an intersection collision with a BMW SUV. The driver of the SUV, which was reported stolen, was attempting to flee from police, according to the Wichita Eagle.
A 70-year-old woman and a child were both killed in the collision, and another passenger in the Toyota Camry was seriously injured. In addition, the driver of a Chevy HHR also sustained serious injuries in the crash after being struck at the same intersection. The driver and a passenger of the SUV were both critically injured, as well.
Once police spotted the SUV, they chased it, and the driver sped off and continued to gain distance from police. The crash occurred about a mile away from where the chase began. All the injured were taken to the hospital.
How common are crashes caused by high-speed chases?
High-speed police chases are likely to result in serious and fatal crashes. While most drivers don’t typically encounter such a dangerous occurrence, it’s a subject that doesn’t get as much attention as it should.
According to a 2015 USA Today article, more than 5,000 fatalities involving bystanders and passengers were caused by high-speed police pursuits between 1979 and 2013. In most cases, people were struck by drivers fleeing from police.
The article cites records from six states showing that 17,600 people sustained injuries in chase-related crashes from 2004-2013, which averages 1,760 injuries per year during that time.
The reasons behind police pursuits range from traffic violations and petty crimes to serious felonies. Drivers who flee from police likely don’t care about the danger they put others in. In most cases, a chase will end with a severe crash. In other cases, hit-and-runs occur.
Your legal options after a chase-related crash
Crashes like this happen unexpectedly and can be unavoidable for those caught in the middle of a police pursuit. Should you or a loved one sustain injuries in a crash caused by a driver fleeing police, you may be eligible for compensation.
The aftermath of a chase-related crash can be complex. Obtaining compensation may be difficult if:
- The vehicle involved was stolen and the driver was uninsured.
- You were struck in a hit-and-run and the driver was never identified.
That’s why it’s critical that you discuss your crash with an experienced Kansas car accident attorney at Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers. We possess a wealth of legal knowledge and have real courtroom experience representing injured motorists in all types of crashes.
Don’t wait. Contact us today to learn more.
