If you get into a car accident with a government vehicle, there are certain things you need to do directly after the accident as well as when you are filing a claim. Accidents involving these vehicles are more complex and will look quite different from a standard auto accident claim in Washington. That is why it is essential that you understand what to do if a government vehicle hits your car so that you can receive the compensation you are entitled to.
At NBF Accident Law, our auto accident attorneys in Vancouver, Washington can help you every step of the way as you file an auto accident claim against a government entity. Our attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf, advocating for you so that you get the compensation you deserve and your rights are upheld.
What to Do if You’re in an Accident With a Government Vehicle
Being involved in a car accident with a government vehicle comes with its own unique set of challenges, which is why the situation may feel overwhelming. The good news is that directly after the accident, you can follow the same steps you would for any other type of accident in Seattle, Washington. Here is a breakdown of some of the things you should do initially after the auto accident:
- Call 911: After any kind of accident, you need to call 911 to notify the authorities as well as request an ambulance. Receiving medical care, whether you are seriously injured or not, will be crucial in creating medical documentation.
- Document evidence: If you are not seriously injured, you can begin documenting essential pieces of evidence directly after the auto accident. You need a lot of evidence in government claims, so you should collect the contact information of witnesses, the police report, photographs of property damage, photographs of injuries, etc.
- Call your insurance company: Insurance companies have different timelines that you are required to notify them if you are involved in an auto accident. You should contact your insurance as soon as possible to let them know about the accident, but do not discuss it in detail or admit fault.
When is a Government Vehicle at Fault?
Even though some government vehicles may have sovereign immunity, there are many situations where you may have the right to seek compensation for damages as a result of the government vehicle. Here are some examples of when a government entity may be at fault in Seattle, Washington:
- Negligent driving
- Lack of government vehicle maintenance
- Driving under the influence
- Inadequate training of government drivers
- Reckless driving
If you have been involved in an accident with a government vehicle, you need to hire an auto accident attorney in Washington. An attorney can help you navigate the unique challenges associated with government claims, ensuring you are treated fairly, and your rights are upheld throughout the process.
Government Vehicle Involved in an Accident: How to File a Claim
If you hit a government vehicle or a government vehicle hits your car, there is a specific filing process in any situation that involves a government vehicle. Here is everything you need to do when filing your claim against a government vehicle:
- Find the government entity: You need to determine what government entity is responsible for and manages that specific government vehicle. This may be a city, county, state, or federal agency.
- Notify the government entity: Once you have determined what government entity is responsible for that vehicle, you will need to obtain the appropriate notice of claim form from that entity and provide information about the auto accident. Be very specific and include your losses, double-checking to make sure it does not have any inaccuracies.
- File the claim: You will need to submit your claim within the designated time frame, which may look a bit different depending on the government entity. It is best to do this as soon as possible as government claim deadlines are usually quite short, and filing your claim after the deadline could disqualify it.
- Negotiate a settlement: It may take a few months before you get a response but if the government decides to accept your claim, they may offer you an initial settlement. Never accept the first settlement as it is usually a low amount and you should hire an auto accident attorney to negotiate on your behalf to get a fair settlement.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of variables when you are filing a claim against a government entity, and different entities may have different rules. For instance, some states can limit the amount of compensation you can ask for in your claim. On the other hand, if you are filing a claim against the federal government, you need to file a specific form, and you have up to two years to file your claim.
In some situations, there may be caps on the damages you can receive, and the government entity may even have sovereign immunity, which would prohibit you from suing it for damages. Government claims can often take much longer than a traditional auto accident claim as government investigations are more thorough and involve more evidence.
If the government entity denies your claim or will not provide a fair settlement, you may have the option of filing a lawsuit.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney at NBF Accident Law
If you have been involved in a car accident with a government vehicle, you may not know what to do next. If you were hit by a government vehicle, there are certain procedures you need to follow when you are filing an auto accident claim in order to get the compensation you deserve.
At NBF Accident Law, our car accident lawyers will fight purposefully on behalf of victims of car accidents in Washington, helping you to navigate the complexities of filing a claim against a government vehicle. We will help you file your claim, gather evidence, and find out who insures the government vehicle.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys in Washington.
