Is It Illegal to Chase Someone in a Car?
Is chasing someone in a car illegal in California? The answer is yes, the only people allowed to legally chase another person in a car is the peace officer with a marked vehicle indicating that it is the police, along with the flashing lights. If you start following another driver out of anger, you’re becoming the problem, and may be legally and financially liable
Navigating California freeways can be quite the ordeal, especially when you’re stuck in those relentless stop-and-go traffic jams that make it seem like you’ll never reach your destination. But amidst the chaos, we all need to maintain our composure. Instead of letting frustration take the wheel, it’s safer – and within the guidelines of California traffic laws – to keep a cool head, especially when someone carelessly cuts into your lane and almost causes an accident without so much as a glance in your direction.
Is it illegal to chase someone in a car? Here’s all you need to know: Yes, always.
Instead of initiating a car chase, take a few deep breaths, exit the freeway or safely pull over to the side of the road, and let it go. Take comfort in the fact that you did not get into an accident, you did not get into a verbal altercation while driving, and you can still go on about your day by continuing your journey.
Is It Illegal to Chase After Someone in a Car Following a Hit-And-Run Accident in California?
Short answer, it is illegal to chase after someone in a car following a hit-and-run accident. When you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, your first reaction might be to chase after the other driver. However, this can lead to serious legal trouble, since you are effectively leaving the scene of the accident yourself.
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, even if your intention is to catch the person who hit you. According to California Vehicle Updated Code 20001, not staying at the accident scene and failing to report it is a misdemeanor offense, which can result in a fine and up to five years in jail.
Instead of trying to handle it yourself by chasing the driver, you should call 911 right away. The police will take over the task of finding the driver and will ensure that everyone involved remains safe. Be sure to give the police any details you remember about the other vehicle, such as the license plate number, make, and model.
Chasing someone in your vehicle is never a good idea, and it is always against the law.
Am I Liable in a CA Car Chase?
Determining who is at fault in Stockton, Modesto, and California car chase accidents is usually straightforward, especially if the pursuer causes property damage or injuries. However, it can get complicated when the person being chased or both parties are responsible for the damage.
In these situations, car accident lawyers play an important role in determining liability in car chase incidents.
Driving to work in busy cities like Stockton, Modesto, or the Bay Area is already stressful enough. You have to deal with reckless drivers who might change lanes without looking and sideswipe your car, or distracted drivers who might run a red light and rear-end you.
When you add a dangerous car chase to the mix, the risks on roads like Interstate 5, Highway 99, and Interstate 280 increase significantly. The California Highway Patrol or local police might be chasing someone involved in a car theft, carjacking, or DUI, and in some situations it can be almost impossible to avoid the fleeing suspect.
If you’re in an accident caused by a suspect trying to escape the police, or you found yourself in a car chase with a road rage driver, it’s important to know that you can get help with your medical bills and car repairs if an accident occurred during the chase.
An experienced California car chase accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to recover physically and financially after such a frightening experience. Let’s look at some of the more common questions our trusted car accident attorneys receive from clients who’ve gone through such a harrowing experience.
What Should I Do if Someone Is Chasing Me in a Car?
If someone is chasing you in a vehicle while you are driving on California roadways, the first thing you should do is to remain calm. At this point you want to remember, no matter what happened, or how angry you are at the other driver, that your safety and that of every other driver on the road is your number one concern.
Here are some other things you should do to defuse the situation if you find yourself being chased by another driver:
- Slow down to a safe speed
- Drive to a public place or police station
- Dial 911
- Write down or memorize their license plate number – keep repeating it to yourself until you talk with police
- If there is a passenger in your car, have them take a photo of their license plates and vehicle
Your primary goal when someone is chasing you in another vehicle is to defuse the situation, and have it come to a safe ending as quickly as possible. In many cases, calling the police by dialing 911 will both help you feel safer about the situation before it actually ends, and alert the authorities so they can safely assist you and possibly stop the other driver from potentially causing an accident.
Talk With a Top-Rated California Car Chase Lawyer Near You in Stockton & Modesto, CA
Have you recently been involved in a car chase in California?
At Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we are here to assist with any incidents involving car chases or motor vehicle accidents. Remember, maintaining your composure on the road can prevent potential accidents and legal issues.
Our team of Modesto and Stockton expert car accident lawyers, motorcycle accident lawyers, and truck accident attorneys offer free consultations, enabling you to discuss your California car chase injury claim before hiring our services. Our “No Fee Guarantee” allows us to fully pursue your case without burdening you with high retainer fees or other restrictive legal costs. When you become a client of ours, a portion of your award will be applied toward your fees upon successfully arguing your case by winning in court or getting you the highest settlement possible.
Contact us online today, use the form at top of this page, or call us at (209) 488-5327 or (209) 488-5210 if you would like a 100% no-cost, no obligation consultation with one of our top-rated accident attorneys near you in Stockton or Modesto!
If you have questions regarding your police car accident report either from an initial accident or a subsequent car chase, check out our comprehensive guides on:
- Stanislaus County Sheriff report requests
- California Highway Patrol incident reports
- Modesto, CA police accident reports
- Stockton, CA police accident reports
- How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance in California?
- What happens if you don’t file a police report after an accident?
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