Bellevue, Washington – One Officer With Minor Injuries After Crash During Police Chase

Bellevue, Washington (July 17, 2019) – One officer was injured in a car crash during a police chase on the Interstate 90 near 150th Street Southeast on early Wednesday morning. The trooper sustained minor injuries in the crash, and was not reported to need any hospitalization. In addition, two state trooper vehicles were damaged. However, three people in the suspect vehicle were caught and taken into custody.

The start of the chase has not been determined, but it ended with a crash that happened around 12:30 a.m. Two troopers had accidentally crashed into each other as they attempted to stop the suspect vehicle. The crash blocked the road for more than three hours, but has since reopened.

About Vehicle Accidents

While this particular incident contains a criminal element, car accidents of common cause can be just as dangerous. In 2017, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  have reported a total of 120, 993 car accidents. Of those accidents, 525 were fatal and 34, 311 were possible or suspected of injuries. There are several types of collision that may happen, such as side collision, rollover collision, and head-on collision. Of the types of car accidents, head-on collisions are considered the most dangerous due to the circumstances – two cars are heading towards each other, with a great amount of force being experienced by all parties when the impact happens. While only 2% of car accidents are head-on collisions, they account for more than 10% of car-accident related injuries. These injuries are quite dangerous as most of them are head, spine or neck-related, including spinal injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and whiplash. Similarly, victims of side collisions and rollover collisions also suffer may also suffer head and neck injuries, though the risk is lower in these types of collisions. In rollover collisions, the car will come to rest on its side or roof, resulting in a dangerous situation which passengers might need to be extricated from. In side collisions, the greatest risk comes to the passenger on the particular side that received the impact. No matter the type of accident, all crashes are bound to cause a dreadful situation for all involved.

We urge all drivers to be careful while behind the wheel. When in a location where hazards such as poor illumination, rough roads or construction materials are present, be especially cautious. By doing this, we can ensure our safety as well as the safety of others in the nearby area.

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