A high‑speed pursuit in Florida has created the potential for a police chase crash lawsuit. Two brothers were killed when a fleeing driver hit their SUV in Casselberry. Earlier that day, deputies had tried to stop a man suspected of drug trafficking near Sanford, but he took off instead. Minutes later, he was reportedly driving more than 100 mph on US 17‑92 when he slammed into the brothers’ vehicle near Sunnytown Road. Both victims died at the scene, even though they had no involvement in the chase.”
This kind of case is not rare. Florida sees these tragedies again and again. Grieving families often ask one hard question. Who should pay? A stranger runs from police, and an innocent person dies. Many families file a police chase crash lawsuit. They want real answers. They want fair pay for their loss.
Why a Police Chase Crash Lawsuit Often Names Multiple Parties
When a fleeing driver causes a deadly wreck, that driver is almost always at fault. Florida law treats fleeing from police as a serious crime. Charges usually follow, just as they have in the Casselberry case. But a criminal case does not pay medical bills. It does not cover funeral costs. It does not replace lost pay. That is why families also file a civil claim. This claim can move forward, even while the criminal case is still open.
A police chase crash lawsuit can also raise questions about the police agency itself. Did officers follow the rules for chases? Was the chase safe, given the traffic at hand? Florida agencies get some legal shield. But that shield has limits. It does not always cover reckless choices. Lawyers often check radio calls, dash cam video, and agency rules. This helps show if officers acted with care.
Some key facts families should know:
- The fleeing driver can be sued for wrongful death.
- The police agency may face its own legal questions, based on how the chase went.
- Helicopter video, 911 calls, and GPS logs often decide a claim.
Florida’s Pursuit Numbers Are Moving the Wrong Way
Florida Highway Patrol loosened its chase rules back in December 2023. This gave troopers more freedom to chase fleeing drivers. Sadly, deaths tied to FHP chases have climbed fast since then. They rose from about two deaths a year to far more in 2025. This is based on state reports. Separately, NHTSA data cited by the Tampa Bay Times shows at least 40 people died in Florida police chases from 2020 to 2024. Bystanders like the Marier brothers make up a large share of these victims.
The FLHSMV sets rules for Florida drivers. Its crash data helps show how each chase played out. This proof matters in court. Speed, timing, and road conditions often decide who is at fault.
What Families Can Do After a Fatal Police Chase Crash
Grieving families often feel stuck as criminal courts move slowly. A civil claim runs on its own clock. It aims at fair pay, not punishment. Losses can include funeral costs, lost future pay, and grief for spouses and kids left behind. Our wrongful death attorneys act fast to gather records. We move before proof disappears.
If you lost someone in a police chase crash, do not wait. We also handle related highway accidents. We track broader traffic fatalities in Florida trends to build strong pursuit claims. Find our nearest office location to set up a fast meeting. We will walk you through your options in plain terms.
Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, Haines City, and Davenport.
