No police chase should cost an innocent life. Too often, reckless chases lead to unnecessary harm for innocent bystanders. In seconds, a police chase can turn tragic, leaving families devastated, grieving, and searching for answers. When these tragedies occur, families may be eligible to file wrongful death claims when bystanders are killed during police chases to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. Reckless chases cause loss, and those responsible must face the consequences.
Why Police Chases Are So Dangerous for Innocent Bystanders
High-speed police chases are chaotic, often turning city streets and highways into deadly zones. While officers aim to catch fleeing suspects, the pursuit itself can put innocent bystanders at serious risk.
Police chases don’t just threaten suspects—they endanger everyone nearby. The following factors make these pursuits especially dangerous:
- High speed: A car traveling 80+ mph has no time to stop for red lights, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
- Reckless driving: Fleeing suspects and pursuing officers may swerve, run stop signs, or drive on sidewalks.
- Crowded areas: Crowded cities or residential areas have little room to avoid a collision.
- Multiple vehicles involved in the chase: The suspect, police cars, and even uninvolved drivers may crash into each other.
The Rules of the Chase: When Police Can (and Shouldn’t) Pursue a Suspect
Every police chase carries a risk for officers, suspects, and everyone on the road. To minimize unnecessary dangers, California law enforcement agencies have pursuit policies in place. However, when officers ignore these rules, high-speed chases turn deadly, causing victims and their families to suffer the consequences.
Before pursuing a suspect, officers must consider the crime’s severity, the risk to public safety, and other ways to catch the suspect, such as surveillance, roadblocks, or air support. Officers should call off the pursuit if it risks the lives of innocent bystanders.
Unfortunately, not all officers follow these safety measures, leading to preventable tragedies. If your loved one was a victim of a reckless police chase, our personal injury attorneys can help investigate whether law enforcement violated pursuit protocols and hold them accountable. Schedule a free consultation with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to get justice for your loved one.
Who is responsible for a bystander’s death in a police chase?
Multiple parties may be responsible when a police chase kills a bystander, and wrongful death claims when bystanders are killed during police chases can help hold them accountable. The fleeing suspect may have caused the crash, but law enforcement agencies can be liable if officers acted recklessly or ignored pursuit policies.
The following parties may be responsible:
- The fleeing suspect — If they caused the vehicle crash by running a red light, speeding, or driving recklessly.
- The police department or city – If officers broke pursuit policies or acted recklessly.
- Other negligent drivers – If another driver contributed to the accident by failing to yield or driving carelessly.
If the suspect is never caught, you may still have legal options to seek justice. Our attorneys can explore other avenues for compensation, including claims against your insurance policy or a lawsuit against the police department if their reckless actions contributed to the crash.
Challenges in Suing a Police Department or Government Entity
Many believe police departments cannot be sued, but that’s not always true. While government immunity protects public agencies from certain lawsuits, it does not grant them absolute protection. If officers ignore pursuit policies and act recklessly, or if the city improperly trains them, the police department may still be held liable. However, suing a government entity is more complex than suing an individual driver, requiring a thorough legal approach to overcome these challenges.
Deadlines for Filing Wrongful Death Claims When Bystanders Are Killed in Police Chases
In California, there are strict deadlines for filing a wrongful death lawsuit:
- If filing against the at-fault driver – You have two years from the date of death.
- If filing against a government agency (like a police department) – You must file a claim within six months of the death.
Waiting too long could result in losing your right to seek compensation. Our legal team can ensure that your claim is filed on time.
What to Do if You Lost a Loved One in a Police Chase Accident
If you recently lost a loved one because of a police chase accident, you may feel overwhelmed. Here are some important steps to take:
- Collect Evidence: Gather photos, news reports, and witness statements related to the accident. If possible, obtain video footage from traffic cameras or bystanders to support your claim.
- Request a Copy of the Police Report: This report provides critical details about the chase and can help determine whether officers followed proper procedures or violated any laws.
- File a Wrongful Death Claim Before the Deadline: In California, you have two years from the date of death to file a claim against an at-fault driver. However, if you are filing against a government agency, such as a police department, the deadline is only six months. Missing these deadlines could result in losing your right to compensation, so acting quickly is essential.
- Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney: A lawyer can handle investigations, legal paperwork, and negotiations, allowing you to focus on healing. We will ensure your claim is filed on time and fight for the maximum compensation your family deserves.
Recommended Reading:
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
- What Is The Average Wrongful Death Lawsuit Payout in California?
- How Long Do Wrongful Death Cases Take?
What Compensation Can Families Receive for a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death claim can help families recover financially after losing a loved one in a police chase accident. While no amount of money can replace a life, compensation can ease the burden of unexpected expenses and provide financial security for the future.
Compensation may include:
- Funeral and burial costs – Covering the expenses of laying your loved one to rest.
- Lost income and future earnings – If the deceased was a family provider, compensation can account for the wages they would have earned.
- Medical bills – Covering any medical treatment received before passing.
- Pain and suffering – Recognizing the emotional toll on surviving family members.
- Punitive damages – If the police department acted with gross negligence, the court may award additional damages to hold them accountable and discourage reckless chases in the future.
Calculating a wrongful death settlement can be complex, as courts consider factors like the victim’s age, income, and the impact of their loss on surviving family members. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we work with experts to ensure families receive the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice
Losing a loved one in a police chase accident is overwhelming. A wrongful death lawyer can handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the Crash – Gather police reports, video footage, and witness statements to determine fault.
- Identify Liable Parties – Hold the fleeing suspect, police department, or other negligent parties accountable.
- Handle Insurance & Legal Filings – Deal with insurers, meet deadlines and file necessary paperwork.
- Maximize Compensation – Seek damages for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
- Provide Support & Guidance – Offer compassionate legal help on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we fight for families affected by reckless police chases. Call us today for a free consultation.
Your Loved One Deserves Justice—We’re Ready to Fight With You.
Losing a loved one is devastating, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Our legal team understands the emotional and financial toll of wrongful death cases, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
