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Car chases that don't involve the police happen more often than you might think. But when these pursuits end in a crash, who's liable for the damages? The answer may not be immediately obvious. Here are a few factors that could affect the outcome if you consult a personal injury attorney. Liability While not always the case, drivers that pursue others open themselves up to a charge of negligent driving, which can be used to establish liability. But you may be surprised to learn that the motorist who is being pursued may also be held liable if a car crash ensues. Here's how both chase scenarios might play out. -If you are chasing another driver: No matter where the collision occurs, the most common tactic used to establish negligence is "but for" causation, which holds that the accident would not have occurred "but for" the pursuing driver's actions. - If you are being pursued: This scenario is far more complicated, and the results depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. For example, if the driver who is pursuing you initiated the chase, it is unlikely that you will be held liable. However, if you either initiated the chase or escalated it in some way, odds are you will be held at least partly responsible for the crash. Legal Representation Whether you were the pursuer or the pursued, if someone was injured in a crash, odds are you will have to speak to a personal injury attorney. Why? Because even if you were not the pursuer, the other motorist will almost certainly try to lay some of the blame at your feet. The most common accusation from a pursuer is that the pursued did something to initiate the chase. Perhaps, for example, you cut the other driver off and used an obscene finger gesture while doing so. Those types of actions could make you at least partially responsible for an accident, even if you were not the one doing the chasing. On the other side of the coin, if you were the pursuer, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. In addition to criminal charges for the collision, you may also be held responsible for any damage that occurred to public or private property. Whether you fight these lawsuits or settle them, a good personal injury attorney can be invaluable. Legal Advice Whether you were the chaser or the person chased, it is imperative that you follow the law if the pursuit ends in an accident. You must, for example, remain at the scene of the accident, or you could be arrested for a hit-and-run. Leaving the crash scene will also make it easier for the other party to get his statement on record before the police speak with you. A reputable personal injury attorney can help protect your legal rights if you've been in an accident that was the result of a chase. Looking for a personal injury attorney? Hillsboro, Oregon residents can learn more by visiting http://www.corbridgelaw.com/personal-injury/.
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