Being hit during a police chase is the kind of moment that happens in seconds and leaves you shaken for months. One minute you are driving like any normal day. The next you see flashing lights, a driver speeding wildly, and before you can react, the impact happens. These crashes are violent because high speeds multiply force, and victims often walk away with serious injuries and a long list of questions.
Police pursuit collisions are not typical car accidents. The chain of responsibility is more complicated, the injuries are often more severe, and the window of time to file certain claims is much shorter. Knowing what to do right away can make the difference between securing the compensation you need to recover or ending up with bills you should never have had to carry.
Get to Safety and Call 911 Immediately and Get Medical Attention (Even If You Think You Are Fine)
After a pursuit related crash, it is normal to feel disoriented. If you are able to move, get to a safe place away from traffic and anything that could cause further harm. Call 911 right away. Make it clear that you were hit during an active police chase or by a driver fleeing from law enforcement.
This matters because officers will document the pursuit, note which agencies were involved, and record your injuries. Their report becomes one of the strongest pieces of evidence you will have. Don’t assume someone else will call for help. Make the call yourself if you can.
High speed impacts create a cocktail of adrenaline and shock. Victims often underestimate their injuries because their body has not caught up yet. Internal injuries, concussions, deep tissue damage, and spinal injuries can hide for hours or even days. Get checked by paramedics at the scene and follow up with urgent care or your primary doctor within 24 hours. These early records link your injuries directly to the crash. If you wait, the insurance company may argue that your pain is unrelated.
Start Documenting Everything You Can
The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim becomes. If your injuries allow, try to gather the basics.
- Photos of all vehicle damage
- Photos of the scene, traffic signals, skid marks, and debris
- Photos of visible injuries
- Information from officers at the scene
- Contact details for witnesses
If you were too injured to gather evidence, don’t worry. Officers will document parts of the scene, and an attorney can help you track down the rest later.
Understand How Liability Works in Police Chase Crashes
This is where things get complicated. In a normal crash, the at fault driver is usually responsible. In a pursuit crash, several parties can come into play, depending on how the collision happened.
The suspect who caused the crash is usually considered the primary at fault party. The problem is that many of these drivers have no insurance or flee because they already have a suspended license. Even when they are caught, they rarely have the money or coverage to pay for the damage they caused. Police agencies can be held liable in specific situations, but California has strict rules about when they can be sued. Officers are generally protected when they follow pursuit policies. If they violated those policies or created unnecessary danger, liability becomes possible but harder to prove.
You may need to rely on your uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage. These policies can help when the fleeing driver has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay for your injuries and losses. Police pursuit collisions often involve extreme speeds. Injuries tend to include traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, spinal trauma, broken bones, soft tissue injuries (that take months of treatment), and long term pain that can interfere with daily life.
The cost of care adds up fast. Hospital bills, specialists, imaging, physical therapy, and lost wages can easily reach six figures. This is why a strong claim is so important. You should not be the one paying the price for something you did not cause.
If a government agency is involved, you face a short deadline. California requires you to file a government claim within six months. Missing that deadline can end your right to compensation from the agency, no matter how strong your case is.
Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies Too Soon
Once the crash is reported, you may get calls from insurance adjusters. They might seem friendly, but their job is to limit what they owe. They may ask for a recorded statement or try to get you to say something that can be twisted later.
Keep it simple and give basic facts only. Don’t guess or apologize, don’t agree to a recorded statement, and don’t discuss your injuries until you’ve seen a doctor. A lawyer can handle all communication for you and will help you avoid mistakes that insurers often use to reduce or deny claims.
How an Attorney Helps in Police Chase Injury Cases
Pursuit collisions are some of the most complex accidents in California. You are often dealing with multiple insurance companies, strict government claim deadlines, and a driver who may not have the coverage needed to pay for your losses.
A lawyer can help you identify every possible source of compensation, file government claims on time, request and analyze pursuit records and body cam footage, work with accident reconstruction experts, communicate with all insurers, build a clear medical record showing the full impact of your injuries, and push back when insurers delay or lowball.
Without legal help, it is easy to miss deadlines or fall into traps that reduce your compensation. With the right attorney, you have someone who knows the system, knows how these claims work, and can keep the process moving forward.
If you were hit during a police chase in California, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Kamelia Jalilvand understands how complicated these cases can be. She knows how to navigate government claims, challenge insurance delays, and build strong cases for victims of high speed crashes. Her approach blends strategy with compassion, and she fights to make sure her clients feel protected at every step. When you work with her, you get someone who is committed to securing the recovery you need so you can focus on healing.