I don't know where you guys live but if you live in a major city why don't you go for a ride along and see what cops go through.
As far as lawsuits, it's a no win situation. If the officer gets injuried you have a possible lawsuit, medical/disability pay. On the flip side if the civilian gets injured you still have those possibilities. I'm not a lawyer so I don't know how all these things go down or why this phenomenon is happening. Maybe a lawyer or police officer can (hopefully) clear this up.
As far as lawsuits, it's a no win situation. If the officer gets injuried you have a possible lawsuit, medical/disability pay. On the flip side if the civilian gets injured you still have those possibilities. I'm not a lawyer so I don't know how all these things go down or why this phenomenon is happening. Maybe a lawyer or police officer can (hopefully) clear this up.