If a loved one was killed or injured when a driver fled police pursuit, you may feel overwhelmed, but you are not without legal recourse. Recent incidents in Prince George’s County reveal a troubling spike in civilian casualties. Over two months, three innocent people, including a 3‑year‑old child, lost their lives in crashes caused by drivers attempting to evade law enforcement. Those families now face the challenge of seeking justice when the criminal system may not fully account for civil losses.
Even though drivers may face criminal charges like vehicular manslaughter or DUI, the civil courts evaluate wrongful death and injury based on negligence. That standard focuses on whether a driver caused harm through reckless or dangerous conduct. When officials confirm the driver had other options and chose to flee, that may support compensation claims, even if criminal charges lag.
How Maryland Law Applies to Victims of Reckless Police Pursuits
Maryland recognizes wrongful death claims when someone dies due to another’s negligent actions. A driver who flees from police engages in reckless behavior and may be liable for resulting harm to bystanders. Even if charges are pending or unresolved, civil courts will assess whether that behavior caused loss and emotional suffering.
Victims’ families may recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, emotional trauma, and possible financial support that would have continued. Maryland’s wrongful death statute designates eligible family members who may file suit, including spouses, children, and, in some instances, financial dependents. These claims must be filed within three years of the death of the victim.
Investigating Evidence to Strengthen Your Case
Building a compelling civil case requires gathering key information rapidly. Begin by obtaining medical reports, crash scene photographs, publications identifying the fleeing suspect, and any dash cam or surveillance footage. Police reports may note the suspect’s speed, direction, or erratic behavior. Witness statements from bystanders provide critical detail.
Sometimes, law enforcement videos show pursuit dynamics and risk factors. These materials often become decisive in civil court. Because Maryland law bars recovery if the pedestrian or victim shares fault, even slightly, it is vital to document how the tragedy was not the result of risk on your loved one’s part.
When Do Multiple Parties May Share Responsibility?
Although the fleeing driver is the primary defendant, other parties may bear partial liability. If a law enforcement agency encouraged a risky pursuit or if roadway design contributed to hazardous conditions, civil claims might expand beyond the driver alone. Trained attorneys understand how to map those responsibilities and protect family rights.
Maryland authorities have opened reviews of pursuit policies following these deaths. In some cases, systemic failures, not just a single reckless driver, contribute to tragedy. That means legal counselling may explore accountability at broader levels, including municipal departments or agencies responsible for public safety protocols.
Understanding Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule
One unique challenge in Maryland is contributory negligence. If the deceased is found even slightly responsible for their death, the court may bar all compensation. This is a higher burden than in states with comparative fault rules.
To avoid that outcome, attorneys must show the deceased acted reasonably and that the driver’s decision to flee was the primary cause. Evidence such as traffic conditions, lighting, or pedestrian placement often becomes essential in shifting the focus from pedestrian conduct to driver recklessness.
Acting Quickly Preserves Your Right to Compensation
Police pursuits and resulting fatalities prompt media coverage, which can fade quickly. Evidence, including video and patrol records, may be stored only temporarily. Documentation of injuries or property damage must be collected before it disappears.
A lawyer familiar with Maryland wrongful death law can request preserved evidence, conduct expert crash reconstructions, and manage insurance claims effectively. Those services help position families for negotiation, settlement, or trial while protecting legal options.
Call a Maryland Accident Lawyer If You Lost Someone to a Fleeing Driver
Criminal prosecution does not guarantee civil justice. Even when police charge the driver, families may still pursue separate compensation for their loss. Holding negligent drivers accountable or even municipalities can provide both closure and financial support.
If your loved one was killed or injured in Maryland due to a driver fleeing police, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers represent families in wrongful death and injury cases across Maryland. We will assess your rights under state law, investigate all possible sources of liability, and pursue justice and recovery on your behalf.
Call (800) 654‑1949 today for a free consultation. Your family deserves support and clarity during this critical time.