FAIRFAX — Police Chase Ends in Multi-Car Crash on I-495

FAIRFAX, VA (May 16, 2025) – A driver fleeing police during a high-speed pursuit caused a multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday, May 14.

Virginia State Police (VSP) attempted to stop a driver traveling northbound near Braddock Road on I-495. The incident occurred before 9 a.m. 

The driver was using a cellphone while driving, a traffic violation. VSP then concluded that the driver had outstanding warrants in both Fairfax and Prince William Counties.

The driver refused to stop, leading the officer to pursue them. The suspect sped off along the shoulder of the Beltway. Out of reported concern for those on the roadway, the trooper stopped the chase.

The suspect then attempted to exit the interstate using the Braddock Road access ramp. The driver then collided with multiple cars. The driver’s car overturned, after which the driver climbed out of the wreckage and attempted to flee on foot.

Troopers located the suspect and took them into custody.

Four vehicles were damaged, and numerous people were injured. The suspect was also injured in the crash. They were taken to a local hospital for treatment. 

Investigations continue. 

Legal Steps After a Multi-Car Accident and Car Chase in Virginia

When a multi-car accident follows a car chase in Virginia, the legal situation becomes significantly more complex than in a typical collision. These incidents often involve criminal charges, multiple insurance claims, and potentially serious injuries. Knowing the proper legal steps to take can protect your rights and maximize your chances of fair compensation.

Immediate Actions at the Scene

1. Prioritize safety and medical attention – First and foremost, seek medical attention for yourself and others if needed. Your health is the top priority.
2. Contact law enforcement – Police documentation becomes especially crucial in chase-related accidents. Make sure officers file a complete report, as this will be vital evidence.
3. Document everything – If safely possible, take photos of all vehicles involved, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses—their testimonies could be invaluable in establishing the sequence of events.

How Virginia Law Determines Fault in Police Chase Accidents

Virginia follows a “pure contributory negligence” rule, meaning if you’re found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. In chase scenarios, fault determination becomes particularly complex:

• The fleeing driver typically bears primary responsibility but may be judgment-proof
• Police agencies may face scrutiny regarding pursuit policies
• Innocent drivers caught in the path must establish their lack of contribution to the accident

Insurance Considerations

Multiple insurance policies often come into play:

• Your own auto insurance (including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage)
• The at-fault driver’s liability coverage (if they have insurance)
• Possible government liability if police procedures weren’t followed
• Potential umbrella policies of the involved parties

Virginia requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage. However, chase-related accidents often exceed these minimums due to their severity.

Legal Deadlines to Remember

Virginia’s statute of limitations gives you:

• Two years to file personal injury claims
• Five years for property damage claims
• One year for claims against government entities (with specific notice requirements)

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

After a multi-car accident following a chase, consulting with an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney is strongly recommended. These complex cases involve:

• Multiple potentially liable parties
• Criminal and civil proceedings running in parallel
• Insurance coverage questions
• Significant injury and property damage claims

The attorneys at Regan Zambri Long have extensive experience handling these complex accident scenarios, ensuring all potential sources of recovery are identified and pursued.

Moving Forward After the Accident

The aftermath of a chase-related collision can be overwhelming. Beyond the legal process, consider:

• Ongoing medical documentation of injuries
• Working with a reputable repair facility for vehicle damage
• Keeping detailed records of all accident-related expenses
• Addressing any psychological impacts through appropriate counseling

Remember that Virginia’s contributory negligence rules make professional legal representation especially important in determining and proving liability in these scenarios.

If you were involved in a traumatic accident in Northern Virginia, the Fairfax car accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in the DC Metro area. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Regan Zambri Long as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most accurate information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.

Disclaimer: Images used in this article were not taken at the scene of the incident. All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.