Why this topic is on people’s minds in Augusta
On August 13, 2025, road patrol units from Richmond County pursued a stolen truck from Wrightsboro Road into Columbia County, where the driver was arrested near Stevens Creek and Washington Road. No injuries were reported in that incident, but many pursuits do end in collisions that harm innocent people. If that happens to you, you deserve clear guidance on what comes next.
Who pays after a police chase crash
Every case turns on its facts, but most claims focus on these sources:
• The fleeing driver’s liability insurance. A driver who causes a crash while running from law enforcement is usually responsible for the harm they cause. The problem is that many fleeing drivers have little coverage or none at all.
• Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). UM/UIM can step in when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses. If you carry UM/UIM, it often becomes one of the most important sources of recovery in chase cases. If you are unsure how this works, this page explains options when the at-fault driver lacks coverage.
• The vehicle owner’s coverage. When the vehicle was stolen, the owner usually is not liable, though the owner’s policy may include benefits that overlap with yours. Facts matter here, especially if the vehicle was given to someone who then fled.
• A claim that involves a city, county, or state agency. These claims are complex. You must prove more than the fact that a chase occurred. You must show the agency or an employee acted negligently under Georgia law. Short, strict ante litem notice rules can apply for government claims, and missing them can end a case before it begins. Speak with counsel quickly to evaluate any potential claim and to meet all notice requirements.
They made everything easy for me! Even when I lost faith in the car accident where a drunk driver hit me, they helped me through every process. They were quick as they could be and made everything easier for me while being in the process of my move to Japan for the Navy, full time student, and planning my own wedding. I appreciated the help. Thank you!”
- Julissa Evans
I had the pleasure of allowing Mr. Leland Malchow to represent my case and I would recommend 10star rating if possible. Not only was Mr. Leland very professional and knowledgeable, he also took the time to listen to my frustrations about my situation. He offered a listening ear, as well as some kind motivational advice. Our relationship has been through business only but I would extend a hand to him and the law firm from here on out. Thank you all and God Bless."
- Chris Rowland
Chris Johnson is an exceptional attorney for car wreck cases. His expertise, clear communication, thorough preparation, and effective negotiation skills led to a favorable outcome. With compassion and support, he guided me through the process, making him highly recommended for anyone in need of a skilled legal advocate."
- Jayko Robinett
What to do at the scene and in the first 48 hours
• Get checked out. Many injuries hide behind adrenaline. Accept EMS transport if advised, and follow up with your doctor or an urgent care clinic the same day if symptoms start later.
• Call 911 and stay until released. Make sure a report is created that lists all vehicles and agencies involved.
• Collect proof. If safe, take photos or video of the vehicles, the road, skid marks, debris, nearby cameras, and the positions of patrol cars. Ask for names, badge numbers, and the case or incident number.
• Identify witnesses. Get names and contact details for anyone who saw the crash or the moments just before impact.
• Preserve your car. Do not rush repairs or disposal. Your vehicle can be powerful evidence.
• Be careful with statements. Insurance companies often ask for recorded statements quickly. Learn the risks first here.
• Notify your insurer. Report the crash within your policy’s deadline, but stick to the facts. Do not speculate about fault.
How lawyers build police chase cases
The right team will move fast to secure proof that disappears quickly. That list often includes patrol car dashcam footage, body camera video, dispatch audio, GPS logs, pursuit policies, surveillance from businesses along routes like Washington Road and Wrightsboro Road, eyewitness interviews, and data from your car or a truck’s event recorder. Your attorney may send preservation letters to agencies and businesses to prevent footage from being overwritten.
Understanding liability in a pursuit
Not every pursuit creates liability for a law enforcement agency. A safe resolution depends on policy, training, and the decisions made second by second. Georgia law can shield agencies in many situations. That is why case preparation focuses on whether the pursuit complied with policy, whether conditions made the chase unreasonably dangerous, and whether a safer alternative existed. An experienced injury lawyer will examine the facts carefully and look for every viable path to compensation.
Attorney - Partner Attorney - Partner Associate Attorney Associate Attorney
Leland Malchow
Chris Johnson
Dane Anderson
Bailey Marshall
Common injuries and why care matters
Chase crashes often involve higher speeds and sudden impacts. Common injuries include concussions, herniated discs, shoulder and knee trauma, and internal injuries. Follow your treatment plan, save receipts, and keep a journal of pain, sleep loss, missed work, and activities you cannot do. Good medical documentation helps the insurer see the full picture of what you are living with.
Paying medical bills after a chase crash
Bills can pile up long before a claim pays out. Health insurance may cover care subject to deductibles and co-pays, and the insurer might later seek repayment from any settlement. If you do not have health insurance, talk to your lawyer about options for continued treatment and how to coordinate benefits. For an overview of handling bills after a wreck, see this resource.
What if the fleeing driver was in a commercial truck or you were hit by one
Large vehicles add layers to a case: company policies, driver logs, and federal safety rules. Evidence disappears quickly, so preservation letters and a prompt inspection matter even more. Steps are similar to any truck crash, but timelines and stakes are higher. For a quick checklist you can follow, see this.
Mistakes that can hurt a chase claim
• Leaving before a report is finished
• Moving your car from a secure location without full documentation
• Posting details on social media
• Missing follow-up medical visits
• Giving a recorded statement too soon
• Accepting a quick payout without understanding future treatment needs
How long will a case take
Timelines vary with injuries, available insurance, and whether a government entity is involved. A careful case often requires full medical recovery or a clear long-term diagnosis before settlement talks make sense. Learn how timelines usually unfold here.
What if a loved one died after a chase crash
Families can bring a wrongful death claim and an estate claim for final expenses and related harms. These cases have time limits and special rules. Sensitive guidance helps families move at a pace that respects both healing and the law. Learn more about choosing counsel for these claims in Augusta.
Strict deadlines apply if a government agency may be part of your claim. Do not wait to get legal advice.
Why choose local help
Chase cases move fast and often involve multiple insurers and agencies. A local team knows the roads, the businesses that may have cameras, and where to find the right records. Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers serves people across Augusta and nearby areas and can coordinate the medical, insurance, and legal pieces so you can focus on recovery.
What you can expect when you call Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers
• A free consultation where we listen first
• A plan to secure evidence, request footage, and protect your case
• Clear communication about fees and costs
• Guidance on medical care, repairs, and insurance questions
If a police pursuit crash harmed you or your family in the Augusta area, reach out to Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We will review your options and map out your next steps.
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