Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
A fatal police chase can change lives in seconds. When high-speed pursuits go wrong, it’s often innocent drivers who suffer the most. One such case in Tulsa involved a 23-year-old husband and father who was killed by a suspect driving a stolen utility truck the wrong way on U.S. 75. The driver was being chased by law enforcement for nearly 30 minutes before the crash.
These tragedies raise serious questions about police pursuit policies, government accountability, and what legal rights families have after losing a loved one.
A police chase starts when officers pursue a suspect who refuses to pull over. These incidents can escalate quickly, mainly when the suspect drives recklessly or enters a highway in the wrong direction. While the goal is to catch a fleeing person, the public often pays the price when something goes wrong.
The U.S. Department of Justice claims that from 1996 to 2015, police pursuits led to over 7,000 deaths—an average of nearly one per day.
Some of the most serious crashes happen when suspects try to outrun law enforcement on busy roads or interstates. Innocent people heading to work, school, or home can be caught in the path of these fast-moving vehicles.
The 2017 crash in Tulsa involved a stolen Oklahoma Natural Gas truck. The driver led Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) troopers on a lengthy pursuit before driving the wrong way on a divided highway and crashing head-on into another car. The victim, an innocent commuter, was killed instantly.
Investigations later showed that the pursuit may have violated national model policies supported by the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. However, OHP stated that troopers acted within current procedures. This gap between best practices and actual enforcement sparked public concern.
News investigations revealed at least 10 high-speed chases in Oklahoma over a 14-month period that deviated from best practice pursuit guidelines—resulting in 8 deaths, 2 of whom were uninvolved civilians.
In Oklahoma, law enforcement agencies often refer to international model policies when deciding how to conduct vehicle pursuits. These policies discourage chasing suspects the wrong way on highways because they pose a high risk to the public.
Even with these guidelines in place, agencies like OHP have their own internal rules. When an officer’s actions are questioned, the department usually conducts a review. If the agency decides the officers followed procedure—even if the public was harmed—they may not face consequences.
In Oklahoma, the Governmental Tort Claims Act (GTCA) outlines when state agencies may be held liable for negligence in official duties, including pursuits that violate safety standards.
If a family can show that law enforcement acted outside of policy or with reckless disregard for public safety, they may be able to bring a legal claim.
Several parties may be legally responsible after a fatal crash caused by a fleeing driver. The suspect who caused the crash is the most obvious one, but there are other potential sources of accountability.
If law enforcement ignores safety protocols, families may be able to file a claim against the agency under Oklahoma’s GTCA. However, these cases are complex and have strict deadlines.
High-speed chases are among the most dangerous law enforcement tactics,” said a National Institute of Justice researcher. “The risk to the public often outweighs the benefit of immediate apprehension.
A large number of fatalities from police pursuits involve people who had nothing to do with the crime. These victims were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Category | Percentage of Fatalities | Description |
| Fleeing suspect vehicle | 65% | Occupants of the vehicle being chased |
| Other motorists | 29% | Innocent drivers on the roadway |
| Bystanders | 4% | Pedestrians and passersby |
| Pursuing law enforcement | 1% | Officers or passengers in pursuit |
| Total Deaths Over 20 Years | 7,000+ | Averaging ~1 death per day |
If you or your loved one was injured or killed in a police chase crash, you may have legal options. Here are steps to take right away:
Early legal help can make a big difference. An attorney can investigate whether pursuit policies were followed and help you file the necessary paperwork before the deadline.
If pursuit policies were violated, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the fleeing suspect and, in some cases, a government agency. Each case depends on the specific facts and evidence.
The GTCA sets rules for when you can file a lawsuit against a government agency. Claims involving negligent pursuit must meet specific criteria and be filed within a limited timeframe.
Not always. Immunity depends on whether the officer followed policy. If a pursuit violates established safety procedures, the agency may be liable under Oklahoma law.
Dashcam or bodycam footage, dispatch logs, crash reports, and witness statements are key. An attorney can help preserve this evidence quickly before it’s lost or restricted.
Yes. If the driver is identified, their auto liability coverage may apply. If they’re uninsured, you may use your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or pursue legal action.
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations usually lasts for two years after the date of death., but pursuing claims against the government requires earlier notice—often within one year.
Police chases can lead to tragic outcomes, especially when innocent drivers are caught in the path. If you’ve lost someone or were seriously hurt in a crash involving a fleeing driver, understanding your rights is essential. Oklahoma law offers a path to seek justice—but it requires swift action and strong legal guidance.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps victims and families navigate the complex legal process after serious or fatal car crashes. Our team investigates what happened, determines who may be responsible, and works to protect your rights.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
