In the aftermath of a tragic incident, it can be difficult to sort out the details of what happened and what caused the incident. This is particularly true in a car accident, where individuals are rightfully concerned with their personal wellbeing immediately after the accident. It can take some time for details to be sorted out as to what caused the crash to occur.
This was the case recently in a Maryland auto accident involving a police officer. The officer was traveling on the highway off-duty, but in his marked vehicle, when he suddenly crossed the center median in the road. His car collided with another vehicle that was moving in the opposite direction.
The officer was transferred to the hospital, but was later pronounced dead as a result of the accident. Meanwhile, the other driver was treated and released at the scene.
Officials are still in the midst of an accident investigation to try to determine what caused the crash. As a preliminary matter, they believe the officer may have sustained a medical emergency that caused him to veer off the road. The officer’s body will be examined to confirm the early hypothesis.
While often times liability is clear from the outset, in other accidents, it can take time to determine who is at fault and what caused the crash. Investigations conducted by police can help individuals determine liability, although it is not the only means of investigation available.
What’s more, there are other implications at stake. For example, in accidents involving a government employee, where the government may be on the hook, individuals may have a limited amount of time to file a claim. The statute of limitations is often set to expire earlier when the government is involved, making it essential that individuals file a claim within that period in order to recover compensation. Ultimately, whether to investigate liability for a crash, or determine the period during which a claim must be filed, individuals should work with a qualified personal injury attorney.
