Is Chasing Someone in a Car Illegal in San Bernardino?

Car chases can be dangerous, leading to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. If you’ve ever wondered, is chasing someone in a car illegal in San Bernardino, the answer is almost always yes. California law strictly prohibits reckless driving and aggressive pursuit of other vehicles. Whether it’s a road rage incident, a personal dispute, or an attempt to take justice into your own hands, chasing someone in a car can lead to severe legal consequences.

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Is It Illegal to Chase Someone in a Car in San Bernardino?

You may be wondering, “Is it illegal to chase someone in a car in San Bernardino?” Yes, it is illegal to chase someone in a car in San Bernardino and throughout California. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23103, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Engaging in a car chase falls under this category, making it a punishable offense. In more severe cases, car chases can be classified as felony evasion, assault with a deadly weapon, or even attempted manslaughter.

Legal Consequences of Chasing Someone in a Car

If you are actively part of a car chase in San Bernardino, you could face serious criminal charges, including:

Reckless Driving – A misdemeanor punishable by fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
Felony Evading – If a chase involves law enforcement, evading a police officer is a felony in California.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon – If your actions put another driver or pedestrian at risk, your vehicle could be considered a weapon.
Hit and Run Charges – If a hit and run accident occurs during the chase, you could face additional penalties.
Civil Liability – If the chase results in an accident, you may be sued for damages by the victim.

What to Do If Someone Is Chasing You in a Car in San Bernardino

Being chased in a car is a terrifying experience that can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. If you find yourself in this position, follow these steps to protect yourself:

- Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation – If another driver is aggressively following you, do not engage. Avoid making eye contact, using hand gestures, or responding to their actions.
- Do Not Drive Home – Never lead the person chasing you to your home. Instead, drive toward a safe, public place such as a police station, fire station, or well-lit shopping center.
- Call 911 Immediately – If you feel threatened, call 911 and provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, including:
  - Your location
  - The make, model, and color of the car following you
  - The license plate number (if visible)
  - A description of the driver
- Drive Safely and Avoid Erratic Maneuvers – Resist the urge to speed or drive recklessly. High-speed maneuvers can increase the risk of an accident. Instead, obey traffic laws and try to maintain control of the situation.
- Look for Help – If possible, flag down a police officer or pull into a crowded area where other people can witness the incident. Many gas stations, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants have security cameras that may capture footage of the chase.
- Document the Incident – Once you are safe, document everything about the incident, including the time, location, and details about the other driver. If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information.

Why Illegal Car Chases Are a Major Concern in San Bernardino

San Bernardino, like many urban areas in California, sees its fair share of reckless driving incidents. Illegal car chases pose significant risks, including:

Endangering Innocent Bystanders – High-speed chases can result in crashes that injure pedestrians and other drivers.
Property Damage – Reckless driving often leads to the destruction of public and private property.
Traffic Fatalities – Car chases increase the likelihood of deadly accidents, putting the entire community at risk.
Strain on Law Enforcement – Police resources are often used to intervene in or investigate car chases, diverting attention from other public safety concerns.

Legal Options if You Are a Victim of a Car Chase in San Bernardino

If you were injured due to a car chase, whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bystander, you may have legal options. A San Bernardino personal injury lawyer at The Gold Firm can help you recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress

How to Prevent Being Involved in a Car Chase

Preventing dangerous encounters on the road can save lives. Here are some tips to reduce the chances of being involved in a car chase:

Avoid Aggressive Drivers – If you see someone driving aggressively, keep your distance.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings – Always check your mirrors and be mindful of cars following you.
Use Your Horn Wisely – If necessary, honk to alert others of any immediate danger but avoid prolonged honking, which can escalate tensions.
Follow Speed Limits – Driving at appropriate speeds reduces the risk of erratic driving behavior.
Know Your Route – Planning your route can help you avoid areas prone to reckless driving.

Contact The Gold Firm for Legal Assistance

Is chasing someone in a car illegal in San Bernardino? Absolutely. Not only is it dangerous, but it can also lead to criminal charges and civil liability. If you ever find yourself being chased, follow the steps outlined above to protect yourself and seek help from law enforcement. And if you’re injured due to someone else’s reckless actions, The Gold Firm is here to fight for your rights. The personal injury attorneys at The Gold Firm are experienced in handling reckless driving cases and can help you navigate the legal process. You will not pay a fee unless we win your case – it’s our No Fee Guarantee.

For expert legal assistance, call The Gold Firm today and let our team help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Our attorneys are well-versed in California traffic laws and have a proven track record of holding reckless drivers accountable. Don’t wait—reach out to us now to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact our car accident accident lawyers today to receive full compensation for your damages.

Other Sources:

California Vehicle Code Section 23103