Government Vehicle Accident Lawsuit

A government vehicle accident lawsuit is exactly what it sounds like: a claim for compensation for a person injured in a crash involving a vehicle owned by a city, county, state, or federal entity. Lawsuits following accidents can be complicated no matter their nature, and cases involving government-owned property involve different regulations. 

If you’ve been injured in such an accident, an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer can help you navigate those regulations.

Why These Cases Are Different

The key law that makes accidents involving government vehicles unique is the rule of sovereign immunity. This law provides qualified protection to government employees. The word ‘qualified’ is what matters here. Of course, someone driving a city bus can’t do whatever they want without risking consequences, but establishing fault and liability is different than with an average citizen driving their personal vehicle.

Examples of Government Vehicle Accidents

There are many situations in which a crash involving a government vehicle can occur. For example:

• An ambulance driving at high speed
• A garbage truck breaking suddenly
• Utility vehicles working in residential areas
• Law enforcement vehicles on patrol or pursuing a criminal
• Maintenance trucks blocking lanes
• Buses making wide turns
• Postal vehicles performing deliveries

It’s easy to forget how many government vehicles are on the road, especially in large cities. However, even if the person operating the vehicle was doing so in an official capacity, the victim still has rights.

Proving Negligence

Negligence in these types of collisions is the same as average cases, including:

• Driving while distracted of fatigued
• Failing to signal
• Disobeying traffic laws
• Driving unsafely given the weather or traffic conditions

Drivers employed by the government are generally held to the same standards as those who are not. However, if they are found liable, the individual is not the subject of the lawsuit, the entity that employs them is.

The Claims Process

Timelines are different when it comes to Arizona government vehicle accidents. First, you must file your claim against the state within 180 days of the accident. Then, the state has sixty days to reject the claim or offer payment.

If your claim is denied or only partial payment is offered, you can file suit. This has to be done within one year of filing the claim.

Steps to File a Government Vehicle Accident Claim in Arizona

Note: Claims against the federal government have different deadlines and require a procedure that is similar to the Notice of Claim against state entities.

What To Do After An Accident

There are four simple steps to follow when you’re in an accident:

1. Seek medical attention. Get yourself and other victims to a safe place and call for help.
2. Contact the police. A police report will be important later if you file a claim. Research post-accident communication tips for help in talking to the police and other motorists involved in the accident.
3. Document the accident. Take as many photos and videos from as many angles as you can.
4. Call an attorney. No matter the nature of the accident, navigating the legal aftermath of a crash is difficult to do alone.

If you’re in an accident with a government vehicle, the fifth step is to contact the agency responsible. Some departments have specific filing processes you will need to follow for documentation.

Experts on Your Side

If you’re in an accident with a government vehicle, reach out to Gage Mathers. We have the experiences and resources necessary to navigate the system and get you the compensation you deserve. We can even assist with head-on collision injury claims. No matter, your case, Gage Mathers can help!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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