Government Liability
If you, or someone you love, has been involved in an accident with a government vehicle, such as an ambulance, police car or fire truck, you may be questioning your right to pursue damages. Personal injury claims against a government entity can be difficult, but not impossible, especially with an exceptional legal team on your side. But you must act quickly!
Police Car Crash
We’ve all sat at a busy intersection and heard a siren approaching. Everyone begins to slow to a crawl and then to an abrupt stop as the police or emergency vehicle makes its way through the crossroads and onto its destination. For the most part, law enforcement officers are trained to keep their speeds and driving as safe as possible when responding to a call. In decades past, this was not always the case, and many people were left hurt or worse after colliding with an out-of-control police car. However, mistakes are still made every day by police officers out to make an arrest.
Personal Injury Claims Against the Sacramento Government
While it is important to understand that, in certain cases, government agencies may be exempt from taking responsibility for personal injury accidents caused by their employees, there are some circumstances in which injured civilians may still recover damages. Every level of government has different policies regarding personal injury lawsuits, so it is crucial that you consult with an attorney first.
Common Types of Restitution
While bringing a claim against the city or state law enforcement can be a complicated matter, with our aggressive representation at your side you stand an excellent chance of obtaining a full and fair award. Some of the more common types of restitution claimed in cases such as these include:
- Emergency medical transportation and treatment
- Extensive hospital accommodations and care
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Loss of wages
What is Government Immunity?
Otherwise known as sovereign immunity, government immunity is a policy that keeps government officials – including police officers – from being sued or taken to civil court in the course of their duties. This means they cannot be brought to court for their actions. However, over the past three decades, there have been many exceptions made in the case of automobile accidents – specifically those involving emergency vehicles on their way to a call.
Under the right circumstances, a government entity can be held accountable for any accidents or injuries it may cause. However, as stated before, this can be a complicated issue that requires an experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney.
Under the Federal Tort Claims Act, for example, federal or state agencies may be held accountable for their employee’s careless actions if the crash occurred while s/he was “on the job.” However, if the employee was using the government vehicle while off duty, s/he may bear full responsibility for the collision.
How Long do I Have to File my Sacramento Claim?
California severely limits the amount of time you have in which to file against the state. In total, you have roughly six months in which to present your case or lose all chance at obtaining compensation. If you have been injured in a police car accident in Sacramento we highly recommend you contact the Demas Law Group, P.C., at your earliest convenience.
When filing a claim against a government entity, the time limits are typically very brief, such as only six months or even 30 days. Even if you believe you have missed the deadline for filing your claim, there may still be hope. Contact a Sacramento car accident lawyer at Demas Law Group, P.C., to discuss your government vehicle accident today.
How Do I Hold a Sacramento Government Driver Accountable?
Government drivers may have certain privileges on the road, allowing them to speed through intersections, run red lights and even go against traffic. But that does not mean they are exempt from taking care to avoid causing a collision. These vehicles include public school buses, public transportation, street cleaning vehicles, Post Office vans, ambulances, police vehicles, and fire trucks.
Not unlike auto accidents with other vehicles, the strength of your case will depend on the evidence. An experienced lawyer can help you gather as much proof as possible to hold the negligent party accountable, including eyewitness testimonies, medical records, police reports, accident reconstruction reports and even expert testimony.
Free Consultation, Free Representation
If you or a family member were involved in an accident or fatal collision with a government vehicle in Sacramento, it is crucial that you seek legal counsel immediately. Unlike other law firms, Demas Law Group, P.C., is proud to offer prospective clients free guidance and do not charge any upfront fees if you choose us to represent your case.
Attorney John N. Demas, and the Sacramento personal injury experts at Demas Law Group, P.C., has the experience, resources, and skill to battle government agencies and their insurance providers. You do not have to suffer the physical, emotional, and financial damages caused by a careless driver. Let us get you the money you deserve today.
Call us 24/7 for a free, comprehensive consultation at (916) 764-3059. If you choose us to represent your claim, we provide our services free of charge until we win. That’s our no-fee promise.
This literature may be considered attorney advertising or an offer of professional services, according to Rule 1-400 Rules of Professional Conduct by the State Bar of California. The information does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your potential legal matter.
