Car accidents are stressful enough—but what if the other vehicle belongs to the government? Whether it’s a police car, fire truck, postal truck, or city bus, accidents involving government vehicles can be more complicated than typical crashes. “Accident with a Government Vehicle”
Unlike private drivers, government agencies have legal protections, and filing a claim against them requires special procedures. But don’t worry—if you were injured in an accident with a government vehicle, you still have legal options to pursue compensation.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
How government vehicle accidents are different from regular accidents
Who can be held liable for your damages
The special rules for filing a claim against the government
What steps to take immediately after the accident
How to protect your rights and maximize your compensation
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a government vehicle, don’t let legal complexities stop you from getting the compensation you deserve.
📢 Claim Your Free Case Evaluation Here 📢
How Are Accidents with Government Vehicles Different?
Unlike regular car accidents, crashes involving government vehicles have different legal rules because of a concept called sovereign immunity.
What Is Sovereign Immunity?
🚨 Sovereign immunity protects government agencies from lawsuits unless they specifically allow claims to be filed against them.
However, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and state-specific laws allow injured victims to file claims against government agencies under certain conditions.
Examples of Government Vehicles Involved in Accidents:
🚓 Police cars
🚒 Fire trucks
🚑 Ambulances
🚌 City buses
📦 U.S. Postal Service (USPS) trucks
🚛 Garbage trucks
🚧 Construction vehicles operated by a government agency
💡 TIP: Filing a claim against the government is different from a standard insurance claim—you may have strict deadlines and extra paperwork to complete.
Who Is Liable in an Accident with a Government Vehicle?
Determining liability in a government vehicle accident depends on who was at fault and whether the driver was acting within their official duties.
🔹 When the Government Driver Is at Fault:
✔ If the government employee was driving negligently, you may be able to file a claim against the government agency they work for.
✔ Example: A USPS mail truck runs a red light and crashes into your car.
🔹 When the Government Is NOT Liable:
✔ If the driver was off-duty or using the vehicle for personal reasons, you may have to file a claim against their personal insurance instead.
✔ Example: A city bus driver takes a government vehicle to the store on their break and causes an accident.
🔹 When You Are Partially at Fault:
✔ Some states have comparative negligence laws, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you share responsibility for the crash.
✔ Example: You were speeding when a government vehicle changed lanes without signaling, leading to a crash.
💡 TIP: Liability in government vehicle accidents can be complex. A personal injury attorney can help determine fault and maximize your claim.
📢 Get a Free Case Evaluation Now 📢
Steps to Take After an Accident with a Government Vehicle
1. Check for Injuries & Call 911
🚑 Always seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
2. File a Police Report
🚓 Reporting the accident is crucial, especially when a government vehicle is involved.
✔ Request a copy of the police report—it will serve as important evidence for your claim.
3. Collect Evidence at the Scene
📸 Take photos of:
Vehicle damage
License plates and any government agency markings
Road conditions and traffic signs
🔹 Get Witness Statements: Ask for names and contact information from bystanders.
4. Get the Government Driver’s Information
Name and job title of the government employee
The agency they work for
Contact information of their supervisor or department
💡 TIP: Unlike regular accidents, the driver may not have a personal insurance policy—so you may need to file a claim with the government agency instead.
How to File a Claim Against the Government
Because of sovereign immunity, you can’t sue the government like a private citizen. Instead, you must follow a special process to file a claim.
Step 1: Determine Which Government Entity Is Responsible
✔ Federal Agencies (e.g., USPS, FBI) – Claims go through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
✔ State or Local Agencies (e.g., city buses, police, fire trucks) – Claims are handled under state law.
Step 2: File an Administrative Claim
✔ You must file a formal claim with the specific agency involved before suing.
✔ Claims usually must be submitted within 6 months to 2 years, depending on the jurisdiction.
Step 3: Wait for a Response
✔ The government has a set time (usually 6 months) to respond.
✔ If they deny your claim, you may then file a lawsuit in civil court.
🚨 WARNING: Missing deadlines can prevent you from getting compensation—talk to an attorney to ensure you meet all legal requirements.
📢 Speak to a Lawyer for Free 📢
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, rehab, medications
Lost Wages – Income lost due to injuries
Property Damage – Car repairs or replacement
Pain & Suffering – Emotional distress, PTSD, physical pain
Wrongful Death Benefits – If a loved one was killed in the accident
🚨 TIP: Government agencies may try to settle for less than your claim is worth—don’t accept a low offer without legal advice!
📢 Get a Free Case Evaluation Now 📢
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Rights After an Accident with a Government Vehicle
Crashes involving government vehicles are more complicated than standard accidents, but you still have legal rights.
🚗 Key Takeaways:
File a police report and document the accident scene.
Understand sovereign immunity and follow the correct claim process.
Know your deadlines—filing too late could mean losing your claim.
If the government denies your claim, you may still have legal options.
📢 Get a Free Case Evaluation Now 📢
“Accident with a Government Vehicle”
“
