When most people think about car accidents, they imagine collisions involving other private drivers. But what if the vehicle that hits you belongs to a city, county, or state agency—like a police car, fire truck, postal service van, or public works vehicle? These cases are far more complex than typical auto accident claims. “government vehicle accident claims”
If you’ve been hurt in a government vehicle accident, you may wonder: Can I sue the city or state for my injuries? The answer is yes, but strict rules and deadlines apply.
Why Government Vehicle Accidents Are Different
Unlike accidents with private drivers, crashes involving government-owned vehicles fall under a legal principle called sovereign immunity. This means that government entities are generally protected from lawsuits—unless specific laws allow you to sue.
Fortunately, most states (and the federal government) have exceptions to sovereign immunity, permitting accident victims to file claims under certain circumstances. These exceptions make government vehicle accident claims possible.
Common Types of Government Vehicle Accidents
Government vehicles are everywhere, which means accidents can happen in many ways, including:
- Police cars or ambulances rushing to emergencies
- City buses or school buses transporting passengers
- Postal trucks or delivery vans on their routes
- Street sweepers, snowplows, or utility vehicles in residential areas
- State-owned construction vehicles in work zones
Whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or the vehicle wasn’t properly maintained, victims may be entitled to compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
- The Government Agency
If the accident was caused by a negligent government employee driving within the scope of their duties, the agency that employs them may be liable. - The Employee Individually
In rare cases, if the driver was acting outside their job duties (e.g., using a city car for personal errands), they may be personally responsible. - Maintenance Contractors
If poor maintenance caused the crash (such as faulty brakes), a private contractor hired by the city or state might share liability.
Filing a Claim Against the Government
Filing government vehicle accident claims is not the same as filing a standard insurance claim. Key differences include:
- Notice of Claim – Before you can sue, you typically must file a formal notice with the government agency within a short period (sometimes as little as 30–90 days).
- Strict Deadlines – Missing the deadline can bar you from recovering compensation.
- Limited Damages – Some states cap the amount of money you can recover from a government entity.
- Court Approval – In certain cases, courts must approve settlements.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Just like in private accident cases, victims may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
However, depending on the state, there may be caps on how much you can claim.
Why You Need an Attorney
These cases are highly technical. An experienced lawyer can:
- Determine whether sovereign immunity applies
- File a timely notice of claim with the right agency
- Collect critical evidence (police reports, dashcam footage, maintenance logs)
- Negotiate with government attorneys and insurers
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Without legal guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes that prevent you from recovering compensation.
Steps to Take After a Government Vehicle Accident
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Get medical care immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Document the scene with photos and witness statements.
- Request the driver’s agency and badge/employee information.
- Contact a lawyer right away to avoid missing deadlines.
Conclusion
Yes, you can sue the city or state after a government vehicle accident, but strict rules apply. These cases often involve short filing deadlines, sovereign immunity exceptions, and damage caps. Acting quickly and seeking experienced legal help is the best way to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
👉 Don’t let complicated rules keep you from justice. Get a Free Case Evaluation today and let an attorney guide you through the process of filing a claim against a government agency.
