Personal Injury Law Blog

Pursuits are among the most deadly part of policing. The consequences can cost others their lives, criminals and innocent bystanders alike. Car crashes do not distinguish who is and who is not a bad guy, who is or who is not going to lose control of a speeding vehicle and crash into another vehicle, a building, or a stationary object, or who may be killed as a result of a police pursuit, including babies, toddlers, children, teens, adults and the elderly.

Since the early 90s, the National Institute of Justice recommended that police departments limit chases to only suspected violent felons. The report suggests that the balance weighs against a high speed chase for any other reason, such as a traffic infraction, a suspected stolen vehicle, or a car with the wrong license plate.

Given the seriousness of this issue, making uniform, nationwide changes to reduce the number of individuals killed in police changes makes sense. Sadly, this has not occurred. To the contrary, there are close to 18,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, and many have their own versions of a pursuit policy.

The Critical Details of a Police Chase in Chicago

Although the police pursuit killed a 37-year-old mother of six in Chicago in 2020, the case was finally heard in court in April 2024. The 26-year-old driver who led police on a chase in 2020 pled guilty to reckless vehicular homicide and vehicular hijacking.

It all started when police noticed a Jeep possibly wanted in connection with at least one murder. They attempted to curb it, but the Jeep’s driver fled in the direction of Irving Park, reaching speeds of 100 mph. The driver crashed the Jeep and stole a Nissan from a gas station. The police continued pursuit with sirens and lights until a marked cruiser hit a Ford Explorer. The driver was taken to a hospital, where she died.

The squad car spun around, hitting a vehicle at a red light. The three occupants were taken to hospital in fair condition. The two officers injured in the crash were also listed in fair condition. The City of Chicago approved a $15 million settlement to the estate of the woman killed in the crash.

Although we did not partake in this particular case, we understand the challenges faced in police chases and the possible injuries associated with such incidents.

Contact an Attorney at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

Although cases like this are complex and devastating for the families involved, Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg does not stand down in the face of adversity. We can guide you to the best strategy during this stressful time in your life. You deserve every opportunity to be justly compensated for your physical, financial, and mental suffering. At BB&G, we treat our clients like family and offer you solid legal counsel, open lines of communication, and support every step of the way from your first visit until after your case has been resolved.