When a person is driving and sees a law enforcement officer behind them trying to pull them over, the person is required by law to pull over. Not only is initiating a police chase illegal, but also a chase puts the driver, any passengers in the vehicle and others at risk of getting injured. After initiating a chase with Ohio park rangers, a man was in a fatal car accident, killing his two passengers and landing him in jail.
Whatever initially sparked the chase was not disclosed. However, the investigators initially suspected that speed as well as alcohol contributed to the crash. The park ranger pursued the car on Route 727, which is reportedly a hilly and curvy road where many people have wrecked their cars in the past.
Supposedly, the car became airborne, and the driver lost control when the car came back down. The car hit a tree and veered into some brush before coming to a halt. Both backseat passengers lost their lives in the accident. Whether criminal charges will be brought against the driver is unknown at this time.
While the families of the two backseat passengers are entitled to commence a civil suit regardless of whether criminal charges are ever brought against the driver, a criminal conviction would likely only strengthen the civil case. For example, if evidence was found that documented the driver was under the influence of alcohol, it would only help the families of the deceased by further evidencing the driver’s negligent behavior. If an Ohio civil suit is successful after this fatal car accident, the families could receive monetary compensation for the financial damages sustained as a result of the tragic fatal crash.
Source: wcpo.com, “Officials aren’t saying what started chase leading to another deadly crash in Clermont County“, Tom McKee, July 6, 2014
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and laws are subject to change. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal situation.
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