Blue lights in the mirror change everything in a second. When a police pursuit barrels past you on I-20, I-520, or Riverwatch Parkway, the danger can come from any direction. If you or someone close to you was hurt in the chaos of a chase, the immediate focus is safety and care, then evidence, then insurance. Claims can involve the fleeing driver, other motorists, and in limited situations the pursuing agency’s policies and notice rules. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage often matters more than people realize. The right steps in the first 24 to 72 hours protect your health and your case.
Why police pursuits raise unique safety risks
Pursuits create fast, unpredictable traffic patterns. Drivers swerve to yield, pedestrians step back from crosswalks, and intersections can lock up. On busy corridors like Washington Road or Bobby Jones Expressway, one wrong move can set off multi-vehicle chain reactions. Add dusk, rain, or glare, and the risk multiplies. Even if the fleeing driver never touches your car, a sudden evasive maneuver can cause a crash that still ties back to the chase.
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- 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
Who may be responsible for a pursuit crash in Georgia?
Primary liability usually starts with the fleeing driver whose choices triggered the danger. Other drivers can share fault if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield to emergency vehicles. In some situations, claims may also examine whether pursuit policies were followed and whether the risk to the public outweighed the need to continue the chase. These cases are fact-specific and time-sensitive. Preserving video, audio, and policy records early often decides outcomes later.
Practical next steps in the first day
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Get medical care right away. Many pursuit crashes involve forceful impacts that hide injuries at first. Follow up with your doctor and keep every record.
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Call law enforcement if a report has not already been taken. If you are unsure when to involve police after a collision, this short resource can help.
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Photograph everything. Vehicles, debris fields, skid marks, nearby businesses that may have cameras, and the intersection from all angles.
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Identify witnesses and note patrol unit numbers you see at the scene.
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Notify your insurer, but keep the conversation brief and factual. Do not speculate.
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Before recorded statements, speak with a lawyer who understands pursuit-related collisions in the Augusta area.
Evidence that moves these cases
The best evidence gets collected early. Useful items include:
• Traffic-camera clips, business security video, dash-cam footage, and body-cam video
• 911 call audio and radio dispatch logs that show timing and route
• Pursuit policies and incident reports
• Event data recorder downloads and vehicle telematics
• Photographs showing sight lines, blocked views, or obscured signals
• Medical records that connect symptoms to the crash
Attorney - Partner Attorney - Partner Associate Attorney Associate Attorney
Leland Malchow
Chris Johnson
Dane Anderson
Bailey Marshall
When hit-and-run collides with a chase
Some pursuit events end with a driver fleeing on foot or speeding away after striking another vehicle. Victims sometimes feel pressure to chase. Do not chase. Your safety comes first and it can jeopardize your claim. For step-by-step guidance tailored to hit-and-run situations.
Insurance paths that often apply
• Liability insurance for the fleeing driver and any other at-fault motorists
• Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the wrongdoer lacks enough insurance or leaves the scene unknown
• Med-pay benefits that help with immediate medical bills, regardless of fault
• Property damage coverage for repairs, diminished value, or total loss
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can be the difference between a dead end and a path to recovery after a pursuit crash. If you live or work in Augusta, review your policy with a lawyer who can explain how stacking and offsets may affect your claim.
How claims unfold after a pursuit crash
Most cases start with evidence preservation. Your lawyer can send notices to secure footage from nearby stores and traffic cameras before it overwrites. They can request dispatch audio, body-cam video, and relevant policies. They also gather your medical records and wage documentation, then open claims with insurers. Negotiations may resolve the case. If not, a lawsuit can follow, with depositions of officers, drivers, and witnesses. Cases that involve a public entity often have short notice deadlines and unique defenses, so quick action is critical.
Common mistakes to avoid
• Leaving the scene before exchanging information or getting checked by EMS
• Posting about the crash on social media
• Giving broad recorded statements without counsel
• Delaying medical care, which creates gaps insurers use against you
• Assuming you cannot recover if the fleeing driver was not caught
How pedestrians, cyclists, and bystanders are affected
Pursuits do not only endanger drivers. People in crosswalks or on sidewalks can be forced into harm’s way by swerving vehicles. If you were struck while walking or standing near a roadway during a chase, you may have both bodily injury and trauma-related claims. The medical and legal path can feel overwhelming. This pedestrian-focused overview may help you think through next steps.
What if a loved one died after a pursuit-related crash
Families often face questions about fault, time limits, and who can file. Georgia law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim, and a separate estate claim can recover final medical bills and other losses. For plain-language background while you plan your next step, see this.
Local context matters
Road design, traffic volumes, lighting, and visibility differ across Augusta, North Augusta, Aiken, and nearby communities. Intersections along Washington Road, Deans Bridge Road, and Jimmy Dyess Parkway see frequent congestion, which can change how a pursuit ripples through traffic. Local experience helps your legal team anticipate where cameras are, which agencies likely responded, and how to track down the right records.
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What you can do today
• Write a short timeline while details are fresh. Include where you were, what you saw, and any patrol car numbers or markings.
• Save damaged parts and keep repair estimates.
• Send your attorney the claim numbers from every insurer that contacts you.
• Give your lawyer the names of any medical providers you visit.
Helpful firm resources
If you are still at the stage of gathering information, these quick reads from our site are useful starting points:
• Steps to take after a crash in the Augusta area
• How the firm approaches Augusta car accident claims
• Understanding wrongful death in Georgia
If a police pursuit put you in harm’s way, you do not need to sort this out alone. Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation to review what happened and outline a plan for your claim. Reach out here and our team will respond quickly.
Brief note on hit-and-run during a pursuit
If the at-fault driver fled, there is still a path forward. Evidence and uninsured motorist coverage can fill the gaps. For practical steps tailored to these cases, this guide can help.
About Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers
We are a local team serving clients in Augusta and nearby areas. Our lawyers know how to secure dispatch audio, pursuit-policy records, and recordings that often decide pursuit-related cases. We prioritize clear communication and fast evidence preservation so you can focus on healing.
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