How to Deal with Car Accident Claims Involving Government Vehicles
Being in a car accident is stressful, but it becomes even more confusing when a government vehicle is involved. Unlike regular accidents, filing a claim against a government agency involves special rules and short deadlines. Knowing what steps to take can help you avoid losing your right to compensation.
Mountain View, California, is home to many public institutions, from local police and fire departments to city buses and utility services. Government vehicles are everywhere, and accidents do happen. If you’re in this kind of situation, reaching out to car accident lawyers in Mountain View can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Understanding Government Vehicle Liability
A government vehicle is any car, truck, or van owned and operated by a federal, state, or local government agency. According to the National Safety Council, over 46,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. in 2024, and thousands more were injured. Many of these crashes involved government vehicles, such as
- Police cars
- Fire trucks
- Ambulances
- City buses and school buses
- Utility and maintenance vehicles
When these vehicles are involved in accidents, different legal rules apply. In many cases, government agencies are protected by a legal rule known as sovereign immunity, which can make it harder to sue. However, in California, the Tort Claims Act allows citizens to file claims for accidents caused by public employees who were acting within their job duties.
Still, the process isn’t the same as a regular insurance claim. There are strict requirements about how and when you can file.
When is the Government Liable for a Car Accident?
The government may be held responsible for a car accident if the driver of the government vehicle was careless or acted in a way that caused harm. Some common examples include
- A police officer ran a red light without using sirens or lights.
- A city bus driver speeding or not paying attention
- A maintenance truck stopping in a dangerous location without warning signs
In these cases, the driver must have been acting as part of their official duties. If they were off-duty or using the vehicle for personal reasons, the government might not be held responsible. There are also exceptions. If a public safety worker was responding to an emergency, it may be harder to hold the agency liable unless they acted with extreme negligence.
Filing a Claim Against the Government
If you were injured in an accident involving a government vehicle, the first step is to notify the government agency responsible.
To file a claim, you must:
- Get the correct claim form from the agency.
- Fill it out with details about the accident and your damages.
- Submit it to the agency either in person or by mail.
Once your claim is submitted, the agency has 45 days to accept or deny it. If it is denied or if they don’t respond, you can then file a lawsuit in court. Missing any of these steps or deadlines could mean losing your right to compensation.
Conclusion
Dealing with a government vehicle accident can be overwhelming, especially with the extra rules and deadlines. But you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re in Mountain View and involved in this kind of crash, speak with experienced car accident lawyers. They understand the special legal process involved in government claims and can help you file correctly, meet deadlines, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
