If a loved one was killed in a police chase crash, you need to know what happens and how you can pursue compensation. Under limited circumstances, the police department or municipality could be liable for wrongful death damages. Your lawyer will clarify the circumstances that allow you to pursue this course of action.
Our car accident lawyers in Baltimore can also help you build a case against the pursued suspect or even your own insurance company. Since uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in certain states, like Maryland and Massachusetts, this option could help you avoid financial hardship due to someone else’s negligence. Your initial evaluation is free and lets you understand the legal parameters of your wrongful death claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Fatal Police Chase?
The loss of a loved one in a traumatic accident can leave your family reeling and unsure of what to do and where to turn. Our car accident lawyers can help you recover from the financial aftermath of the accident.
With our guidance and direction, you can recover wrongful death damages, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills for care your loved one needed before their passing
- Loss of financial contributions
- Loss of household support
- Loss of consortium and guidance
- Loss of companionship and care
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
All civil lawsuits have a state-imposed filing deadline that must be respected. In Maryland, for example, you generally have three years to file your wrongful death lawsuit, according to Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904.
If your lawsuit involves a government agency or municipality, you generally have one year to submit a claim in writing, according to Md. Code, Cts & Jud. Proc. § 12-106. From that point, you also have three years to file your lawsuit.
Your lawyer can clarify how you can meet the appropriate deadline and the consequences of non-compliance.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
Who Pays Wrongful Death Damages After a High-Speed Police Chase?
Recovering compensation for a fatal car accident caused by a high-speed chase can be complicated. In most cases, the suspect who was being chased will bear financial liability. You can file a claim against their insurance company to recover damages.
Potential complications include the suspect being pursued in a stolen car. If that was the case in your accident, you may be able to turn to your own insurance for financial recovery.
Your personal injury lawyer will describe and navigate all the steps in your wrongful death action. While they manage your claim, you can focus on taking care of your family.
When is the Police Department or Municipality Financially Liable?
Recovering damages from law enforcement can be complicated and means filing a specialized Monell claim.
You can only file this claim if:
- The chase was the result of an official policy or custom.
- The chase violated your constitutional rights.
- The violation caused your loved one’s passing.
It can be difficult to understand the factors behind these claim requirements and the legal parameters for meeting them. Your police pursuit attorney can handle this on your family’s behalf.
How Do You Establish the At-Fault Driver’s Negligence for a Police Chase Crash?
Proving negligence in your car accident case means proving the suspect driver’s actions met these legally required elements:
- Duty: The at-fault driver’s legal duty of care.
- Breach: Failure to meet the required duty of care.
- Causation: The breach was the cause of the crash.
- Damages: The accident had financial consequences.
If you pursue the police department, you do not have to prove negligence. Instead, your legal team will help you prove their customs and policies violated your rights, according to the constitution.
What Evidence Will Prove the Police Chase Caused the Accident?
If your loved one’s passing was caused when their car was hit during a police chase, your lawyer can help you compile the evidence you need to pursue damages. The case file they put together can include:
- The official police report, including narratives and diagrams
- Dashcam, bodycam, traffic cam, and other video footage
- Photos of the accident scene and all involved vehicles
- Testimonials from accident witnesses and relevant experts
- Medical, therapy, and rehabilitation records and bills
You do not have to research, collect, or organize your evidence on your own. Instead, your lawyer will collect the evidence needed for your case file.
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Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney to Seek Wrongful Death Compensation?
While you are not required to have a wrongful death attorney to file an insurance claim or lawsuit, having a lawyer on your side could have advantages. Your lawyer can:
- Clarify the legal steps in your case
- Fight for maximum financial recovery
- Document the details of your claim
- Communicate on your family’s behalf
- Update you on the progress of your case
If a loved one was struck by a stolen car in a police chase, their insurance or yours will pay for all the damages. Your lawyer will help you file an effective claim.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Fatal Accident Lawyer for a Deadly Police Chase?
It will not typically cost you anything to have a lawyer advocate for your family. If your lawyer accepts your case on contingency, they will cover all the upfront costs of preparing your case.
When you recover wrongful death damages, the law firm will receive a percentage of your compensation in lieu of retainers and hourly fees. If you do not get compensation, you will not owe any fees at all.
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Get a Free Review of Your Wrongful Death Police Chase Claim
Our law firm can help you understand what happens if a loved one was killed in a police chase crash. If your family lost a loved one, we will define your compensation options and fight for the financial recovery you need and deserve.
Contact our evaluation team at Jenner Law to learn more about your family’s rights and how hard we fight to protect them.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form