According to a recent San Jose Mercury Article, the California Highway Patrol is considering reviewing its police pursuit policy. In the last few months, crash after crash involving the California Highway Patrol has turned public sentiment against the current CHP high speed chase policy. The latest incident occurred this morning, November 4th, when a car fleeing from the CHP in East Oakland collided with another vehicle. The pursuit started on Interstate 580 near 150th Avenue in San Leandro. The fleeing suspect exited the freeway during the chase and the pursuit continued through city streets in East Oakland until the suspect crashed into another vehicle at 106th Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard, killing both drivers.
We at the Dolan Law Firm are unfortunately aware of the devastation high speed police chases can cause on crowded city streets. We recently represented a client in San Jose who was riding her bicycle across the street, in a cross walk, when she was suddenly and without warning struck by an unknown defendant’s motorcycle as he was fleeing from the California Highway Patrol.
This accident could have been completely avoided had the pursuing CHP officers followed applicable police procedures, followed training protocol, and discontinued the pursuit as they are trained to do. While we were able to secure significant monetary damages on behalf of our client, who had her right leg almost completely severed in the accident, no amount of money can compensate for the severe physical, mental, and emotional trauma she experienced. In the case of the unfortunate driver killed last night, this trauma will extend to his family and loved ones, and we send our deepest regrets and prayers to those who have been affected. We strongly encourage the CHP to fastrack the review of their pursuit policy to ensure that more innocent bystanders and their families do not suffer this same fate.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a police chase, we encourage you to contact an attorney right away. The attorneys at the Dolan Law Firm have extensive experience dealing with such cases, and we work tirelessly to get the victims of such incidents the compensation they deserve. Our lawyers all work on contingency, which means you are not charged a dime unless you collect damages. If you have any questions regarding an accident caused as a result of a high speed pursuit, contact our attorneys today for a free evaluation.
