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L.A. is One of the Car Chase Capitals of the World

L.A. is One of the Car Chase Capitals of the World Concept Los Angeles Metro Catching a Fleeing Driver
L.A. is One of the Car Chase Capitals of the World

Why Is Los Angeles The High-Speed Chase Capital of the World? Or is It?

Ultimate Guide to Understanding L.A.P.D. High-Speed Car Chases

Yes. Most experts consider Los Angeles the high-speed chase and road rage capital of the world, or at least in the U.S. Did you suffer an injury in a high-speed police chase as a bystander, pedestrian, or vehicle occupant? Car accident law expert Michael Ehline will explain high-speed car chases in Los Angeles here.

A high-speed chase occurs when:

An uncooperative person suspected of a crime is being placed under arrest or detained by police. Rather than submit to custody, the suspect absconds in a personally owned or stolen getaway vehicle. While the suspect drives away, the suspect will use erratic, evasive maneuvers to escape from law enforcement attempting to arrest them. Defendants known as “three strikers” are the typical suspects trying to evade law enforcement because, in their minds, they have nothing to lose other than getting shot by cops or thrown back in prison.

Each year, tens of thousands of people in cars are chased by police in the United States after allegedly violating the law, sometimes for a minor infraction, misdemeanor, or felony offense. Los Angeles is the car chase capital of the world, with news agencies broadcasting car chases continuously and keeping our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys and Coroners busy.

A criminal’s stark options are life in prison or getting away scot-free. The Sydney Morning Herald published at least 700 police car chases reported in the City of Los Angeles in 2002 alone.

Like other emergency vehicle-related scenarios, a Los Angeles motorist or bystander pedestrian in the danger zone of a high-speed chase will face increased risks of catastrophic injury and death from such high-speed car chases.

Raising Awareness About the L.A. Police Chase

We write this article to offer risk awareness and avoidance tips and help you find proper legal representation about the purported police chase capital of the world, Los Angeles, CA. We help high-speed chase accidents and injury victims recover personal injury compensation damages from the L.A.P.D.

When you turn on your local news, there is a fair chance you’ll see a car chase video. Police car chases are not just a Southern California thing. However, recent evidence demonstrates high-speed car chases remain far more prevalent in L.A.

Example: The O.J. Simpson Bronco getaway was perhaps one of the most famous LAPD/CHP police cruise chases in recent memory. T.V. news outlets broadcasted the O.J. car chase live across the country, so it burned high and low-speed police pursuits into our brains.

The greater Los Angeles metro area sees more car chases than any other location modernly, and here we examine each reason.

  • SoCal’s warm, sunny weather means you are more likely to see a high-speed chase on I-90 Marina del Rey than in two feet of snow in Buffalo, New York, although crazier things could happen.
  • Also, car-friendly roads and car culture have played a large part. Southern California is primarily built around automobiles. Our large number of freeways and wide roads encourage such pursuits, as the asphalt jungles are easier to navigate at high speeds than Colorado’s back roads.
  • Law enforcement in Los Angeles and California will play a role. The L.A.P.D., in particular, uses its arrest procedures manual, which is far different from the N.Y.P.D., as an example. It almost seems natural to drive fast, whereas denser, eastern cities would find these chases harrowing on their narrow,r crowded streets.

L.A. High-Speed Police Pursuits – A Complicated Situation

Of course, we just showed you a few examples above. Experts think the number of car chases will remain constant for a while. But our injury lawyers and local police agree that increased awareness of high-speed chase dangers can help improve road safety. No one wants to be on the wrong side of a police chase, and your understanding of why they occur may help reduce crash-related police chases and injuries.

A high-speed police chase will expose innocent people, placing them at risk of being struck as police cruisers hotly pursue an absconding perpetrator, lose control, or the criminal crashes. The police’s job is to balance public safety with the menace to society, freely driving away to wreak havoc or cause death or injury to innocent people.

Police must choose between an attempted apprehension or letting lawbreakers escape justice. The public danger will be fatal in many cases, especially to joggers, bystanders, and fellow motorists. Many car accident lawyers sue the police, which is not an easy effort.

I am Michael Ehline, an expert in accident reconstruction and biomechanics from a legal perspective. I am also an expert in using force and have a background as a firearms instructor and small arms expert. I am also a former U.S. Marine with training in martial arts, including Judo, Okinawan Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and American boxing.

I have litigated and won many cases against the police for civil rights violations and the Second Amendment defense. I have included valuable information below about car chase fatalities to help people understand the risks we face as citizens, remedies, and who to sue when someone you love is killed in a high-speed police chase.

F.B.I. Statistics – One Killed Per Day In Police Chases?

According to an F.B.I. statistical report, high-speed police chases kill one person a day nationwide, and innocent bystanders represent 42% of the fatalities. In other words, almost half of those killed likely minded their own business. Hence, they were in no way connected to the automobile chase. According to other federal records, police are not immune from fatal injury related to high-speed chases, killing approximately 139 police officers.

Police are not immune to being fatally injured in high-speed chases…

Authorities maintain that high-speed pursuits are necessary when uncooperative drivers or suspects flee the cops.They believes that pursuing criminals will senda message thate they won’t be chase, givings them no reason to fear the police while operating a vehicle.

In effect, many police feel casualties are unfortunate, especially when it is an innocent bystander or police officer, but this is an unavoidable consequence of policing. The police usually believe that society should do a better job instilling patriotism, love of country, and respect for the Constitution to return to the low crime rates of the ’50s.

Some opponents working in law enforcement admit high-speed chases are dangerous, promoting alternative law enforcement methods, giving criminals a pass but saving lives today. Unfortunately, perps remain free to continue harming others, breeding absolute contempt and disrespect for police law by those protected and criminals.

  • The D.O.J. Thinks that High-Speed Chases are The Most Dangerous of All Police Activities

The Justice Department has labeled high-speed chases “the most dangerous of all ordinary police activities.” (Source.) They have advised reducing these pursuits and that all police departments set strict guidelines. These determine when law enforcement officers should or should not chase a driver fleeing.

Even with the Justice Department’s warnings about police chases, it is still up to the police departments, with most officers having discretion in pursuing fleeing drivers. Police records prove some officers fail to make the right choice, causing mass casualties.

A review of the high-speed chase police department records shows that approximately 89% or more of these pursuits were for minor violations in California. So vehicle code issues include expired registration, speeding, and reckless driving. In defense of law enforcement agencies and officers, it is not solely their fault these pursuits occur.

However, law-breaking drivers violated the law by fleeing and initiating the chase, and it is a police officer’s job to investigate and enforce the law, not to protect citizens. The Supreme Court says the police must stop crime and criminal violations of the law, a reason police officers choose to pursue law-violating drivers rather than do nothing.

What Else Can Be Done To Reduce High-Speed Police Pursuits In Los Angeles?

  • Short of Deporting Illegal Criminals And Slowing Unchecked Illegal Immigration, What Can Good Citizens Do?

Our lawless sanctuary cities in California and acceptance of violent criminals roaming our streets in Los Angeles, California, have a severe problem on their hands. We now have violent criminals using our system against us, with our government creating this problem for political purposes.

Our government’s failure to secure our border and deport harmful criminal elements not supposed to be here means your only answer is moving away or finding a top-notch Los Angeles high-speed chase attorney.

  • What Can Technology Offer to Prevent Deaths And Injuries From High-Speed Police Pursuits?

Many experts argue that attaching vehicle trackers to fleeing vehicles would be meaningless close-up pursuits. However, police officers and high-speed chases are one place technology has left behind, with no technological law enforcement tactics or advances in place for over a decade. A private company created aGPS. tracker tag device, allowing police to shoot an adhesiveGPS. tracker at a moving vehicle, tracking movements.

Governments could purchase this equipmen, whicht has been available commercially since 2010. However, police departments need to spend the money, with 20 out of 18,000 police departments deploying such monitoring devices.

Other police department officials have declined because firing and deploying the G.P.S. adhesive tracker device allows shooters a maximum standoff distance of 30 feet. Police departments consider these devices far too costly, with a purchase price of about five thousand dollars per unit. Fiore Industries is developing a poorly funded, still unavailable invention using microwave transmissions to shut down the vehicle’s engine.

Governments should focus on spending moneyong rarely deployed technological advances instead of allowing more modern car chases to prevent life loss. But technology costs moneythat  they would instead use to give their unions another unearned wage increase. Many L.A. politicians support the so-called defund the police movement; this is probably not something we will see for some time.

Police officers could track the fleeing driver or suspect without speed issues in a police pursuit. Without technological advances that are affordable to law enforcement agencies, there is little chance of ending high-speed chases or life loss, even with Justice Department warnings.

Recent News Examples Of High-Speed Care Chases in the Local T.V. News Market

Many people, especially bystanders, have been killed during trendy watch, nationwide police pursuits, including:

  • A 60-year-old federal worker passed away on March 19 in Washington, D.C.
  • A 63-year-old grandmother in Indianapolis a 25-year-old man on July 18 in New Jersey.
  • Two people described as San Bernardino, California, Islamic Jihadists were involved in a high-speed chase, ending in a shootout, killing them. These two Middle Eastern jihadis supported hate groups like CAIR, a terror-linked Islamic extremist organization. Many locals claimed at the time that his immigrant parents ostensibly radicalized him in a local CAIR-backed Mosque that would not have been in the country if the U.S. government had enforced existing immigration laws. (Learn more about terror funding here). [Since California is a sanctuary state, it gives aid and comfort to violators of U.S. immigration law, so many experts blame local politicians, notCongresss, for CAIR and others here in C.A. illegally.]

Law enforcement has tough choices to prevent and mitigate crime-related chases, and they almost always come with political ramifications that reverberate to elections. Accurate, illegal immigrants make up just a proportion of crimes and high-speed chases; most logical people agree that even a slight reduction in violent and deadly crimes like high-speed chases would benefit public safety. In the meantime, the high-speed chase will likely increase along Southern California and the American landscape.

Combating High-Speed Pursuits in Los Angeles?

Above, we discussed high-speed chase fatalities, why they happen, and some futuristic devices to stop suspects in their tire tracks.

Until our local government agencies, including L.A.P.D., widely deploy these technologies, we will rely on other outdated pursuit intervention techniques to stop dangerous criminals from running away in getaway vehicles, including:

  • Spike strips
  • Vehicle roadblocks
  • Pit maneuvers.

We also talked about high-speed chases in general and why they happen, and we uncovered that Los Angeles is the car chase capital of the world. We also covered that innocent people can get hurt and often get killed during these high-speed pursuits. Victims may be able to sue the L.A.P.D. for their troubles. The police are usually immune from lawsuits; however, criminals usually have no money, leaving you high and dry without the best legal representation.

What If I Am Injured in Los Angeles High-Speed Chase Collision?

You may have options, but you need to speak with a lawyer if you seek maximum compensation for your car accident. Victims must contact Ehline Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, A.P.L.C., to learn about their rights (213) 596-9642Victims can also fill out our convenient online contact form to hear back from an aggressive Los Angeles-based high-speed police chase attorney today and discuss the benefits of a world-class injury lawyer by their side.

Citations:

Insurance Attorney

How Long Do I Have To Make A Car Accident Claim In California?

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys
Have you sustained injuries in a car accident? You better hurry up and file an insurance claim before your time runs out as there is a certain period of time that you have to act in before you’re unable to get an auto accident claim.

Make a Claim Quickly if You are in a Motor Vehicle Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident and are looking for legal help, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to file for a personal injury claim and get the compensation that you deserve.

Let’s go over the time period you have to make a car accident claim in California and review some important restrictions.

California Statute of Limitations

When it comes to personal injury claims, every state has its own requirements and laws that one needs to follow. The statute of limitations lets policyholders know the requirements and the strict deadlines that one must adhere to when looking to file a claim in California.

The general rule for claims allows personal injury victims to file a claim within 2 years following the date of the car accident and failure to do so within the 2 year window period would result in the ability to file a claim in California. This is regardless of how strong your case is, make sure to file for claims within the two-year time limit following the car accident.

Statute of Limitations and Minors

Although the two-year window period for filing claims in California applies to minors, the implementation is a bit different. For adults, the two years begin following the date of the accident while for minors, the two years only begin after they turn 18.

It is important to note that filing a claim in a timely manner is a great way to remain compliant with the state law and the statute of limitations, however, don’t wait until the last moment thinking that you have two years to file a claim. An attorney usually has other cases going on and coming a few days before the time limit expires can be hectic for the attorney as well.

Why You Should Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately for a Personal Injury Claim

Although the state of California does provide a two-year time period where personal injury victims can file a claim, it is best to start the legal process immediately. The more you delay your case, the higher the chances you might lose strong ground.

Here are some reasons why you should immediately file a claim with your insurance company.

Lost Evidence

This is a common occurrence among people in motor vehicle accidents. As soon as the victim delays the legal process, the other party or negligent party is quick to remove all evidence that may work in your favor.

Getting an attorney on board for a car accident claim as soon as the accident occurs, increases the chances of insurance claims. An expert attorney will send an investigation team to the car accident site to retrieve all evidence to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence and get you the claim that you deserve.

Government Cases Have a Shorter Window Period

According to the statute of limitations, victims must file personal injury claims against the government of California within six months following the date of the accident. There is a need to file a government if a person becomes a victim in a car accident due to a government entity.

For example, there is a specific department in the government of California that looks after roads maintenance. If a person dies due to the condition of the roads, a family member can file wrongful death claims for the accident victims against the relevant department. The same situation applies if a person becomes a car accident victim and the responsible party is a government employee driving an official government vehicle.

Insurance Companies Sell Vehicles at Auction

To prove the severity of the car accident and the extent of damage to the car accident victim, the damage of the vehicle can tell a lot about the accident. However, within 40 to 50 days of the car accident, the insurance companies auction the vehicle and scrap its parts. If you’re late, you may never be able to get sufficient evidence to prove the extent of damage done as the vehicle is already sold off. A lawyer can easily send out an investigator to check the extent of the damage of the vehicle if you approach them immediately.

Had a Motor Vehicle Accident but Don’t Have Insurance?

This is a tricky situation as you can not drive legally without auto insurance. However, according to state law, you can file a claim on the other party’s insurance if you’re innocent. But the other party is not obligated to act on your claim since they do not represent you. For this, you must reach out to an attorney immediately and learn about your legal options.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney to Make a Claim?

You do not have to approach a personal injury lawyer to make a claim and can do that on your own without any help.

However, it is best to seek legal help as insurance adjusters can put a lot of pressure on trying to scare car accident victims. They get sent by the insurance company to either scare you away or get you to accept a low settlement offer. Having a personal injury attorney to represent you is the best way to send a message to the insurance companies and get you the claim that you deserve.

Ehline Law: Personal Injury Law Firm That You Can Rely On

Ehline Law is a personal injury law firm that has had more than 3,000 success stories and retrieved over $150 million in compensations. Here is how we can help you with your claims.

Determine Damages

Our lawyers are experts in assessing the damages by not only looking at medical bills but also taking into consideration lost wages, any property damage, physical and mental pain, and suffering. We work with experienced medical teams who can give an accurate report on your medical treatment.

Update on the Claims Process

Our law firm acts professionally, ensuring a strong attorney-client relationship. Our attorneys will keep you updated on the progress of your claims and ensure continuous pressure on the insurer to release your compensation. If the insurers refuse or throw an unacceptable offer, we are not afraid to take matters to court.

Free Consultation

The biggest relief one could offer during car accidents is a free consultation from a law firm. After an accident, expenses start to pile up, and you need an expert lawyer to give you a free consultation and relieve some financial pressure. Don’t worry. We even help locate a lien doctor for you.

If you’re injured and are seeking legal help, contact us at (213) 596-9642, and our attorney will help make a claim and get you the compensation that you deserve.Read More »How Long Do I Have To Make A Car Accident Claim In California?