How to Handle Claims When Municipal Vehicles Cause Accidents in Springfield

A municipal vehicle is typically a city-owned vehicle that city employees use for transportation and to complete their tasks and duties. If you are involved in an accident with a municipal vehicle, you may be confused about what to do, who to hold accountable, and how to handle this type of claim.

The reality is that government employees are humans who can make mistakes and cause motor vehicle accidents like everyone else. However, when this happens, you likely need an experienced and skilled car accident attorney to assist you with the complexity of filing a claim against a city.

The different types of municipal vehicles

State and local governments own various types of vehicles that their employees use in the course of their official work. Common municipal vehicles in Springfield include:

• Fire trucks
• Police cars
• Park ranger vehicles
• Ambulances
• School buses
• Rescue service vehicles
• Department of Transportation cars
• Postal carrier vehicles
• Government-owned vehicles and SUVs

The vehicles mentioned above are leased, rented, or owned and used by government agencies for business purposes. Drivers of these vehicles owe other road users a duty of care, meaning they must drive safely and cautiously. Therefore, when a driver of a municipal vehicle becomes distracted, acts recklessly, or makes a careless mistake, you may be eligible to file a car accident claim and seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, auto mechanic fees, and more.

Common causes of accidents with municipal vehicles

Here are a few of the most common causes of collisions with municipal vehicles that may lead to a lawsuit:

• Emergency personnel (police officers, firefighters, ambulances) speeding and rushing to an emergency
• Drunk or intoxicated driving
• Distracted driving
• Careless or reckless driving
• Dismissing the safety of others or believing that they are above the law
• Failure to inspect, repair, or update vehicles
• Lack of training or supervision

Are government employees or agencies immune from accident claims?

While government employees and agencies can be found liable for accidents, they are often protected by sovereign immunity, which shields them from being sued. There may be other complications as well, like shorter deadlines for filing a claim. However, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you navigate this challenge and prove negligence.

What evidence should I collect to support my car accident claim against a municipal worker and their government agency?

To successfully file a claim against a municipal worker and their government agency, you need to gather strong evidence, such as:

• Police accident report
• Photographs and videos
• Surveillance and dash cam footage
• Proof of lost income
• Medical records and doctor’s notes
• Auto mechanic notes and reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Expert witness testimonies

Government agencies use high-powered insurance companies that are ready and prepared to put up a strong fight to protect their clients. Therefore, you must gather any and all forms of compelling evidence that show that the at-fault driver or the government agency that employs them directly caused your accident in some way. If the insurance company refuses to cooperate and accept your evidence as proof, your attorney will likely suggest taking the case to court. If you agree to do this, your attorney will do everything they can to advocate for your rights and prove that the government employee and its agency acted negligently or discarded the safety of others, which resulted in your accident.

How do I know which government agency I should hold accountable for my accident?

It can be challenging to know which government agency you should hold accountable for your car accident with a municipal vehicle. You and your car accident attorney will need to take the time to look at all the facts and details of your accident and determine which agency is legally responsible for the harm you endured. Here are a few factors that may be able to help you determine which government agency should be held accountable for your accident:

• Where your accident happened: If the accident happened on a local roadway, a city government agency may be responsible. However, if it happened on a highway, there is a possibility that a government agency operated by the state is liable. While an accident on federal property is less common, an attorney can help you determine whether your accident occurred on this type of property, which would make a federal agency responsible.
• The type of vehicle that you collided with: The type of vehicle that you collided with is very important as it may determine which agency is responsible. For example, if you crashed into a police vehicle or a firetruck, the police or fire department may be liable.
• What caused the accident: The cause of your accident is another critical detail. When you and your attorney discover this information, you will know whether the government agency that employs the municipal vehicle driver is the sole agency that is responsible or if there is another government agency that contributed to the accident as well. For example, if the crash occurred because there were huge potholes, debris, or hidden traffic signs, another government agency that maintains the roadways may share responsibility for the crash.

Have you recently been involved in an accident with a municipal vehicle in Springfield, IL? If so, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the car accident attorneys at Glisson Law Firm right away. These types of accident claims usually involve additional layers of difficulties and challenges, but our team is dedicated to supporting you through the entire process and ensuring that you do not have to deal with any legal issues that often arise alone. Accident victims who have been injured by a municipal driver typically have one year from the date of injury to file a claim. We recommend scheduling a free consultation to get started today by calling our office or submitting our contact form. Our firm is based in Alton, and we proudly serve Belleville, Edwardsville, Springfield, St. Clair and Madison Counties, all of Southwestern Illinois and Missouri.