Are Government Agencies Ever Liable for Car Crashes in Florida?

In many motor vehicle accidents with another car, you can seek compensation through insurance or a personal injury claim against the other driver.

But what happens when it isn’t the other driver who is to blame, but a government agency? Contact a Florida motor vehicle accident attorney if you were in a motor vehicle accident with a government vehicle.

Instances Where Government Agencies Are Liable for Motor Vehicle Accidents in Florida

People make mistakes, even when working for the government. In several types of collisions, Florida government agencies may be liable for your accident. 

Government Vehicle Crashes

Among the other civilian motor vehicles, government vehicles are commonly on the road, too. Some of these include: 

• Military vehicles
• Police cars
• Fire trucks 
• Ambulances
• Public transportation buses
• Garbage trucks 

When a driver of any of these vehicles causes an accident through negligence or reckless driving, they are liable for that accident. If you’re in an accident with a government vehicle, you may have the right to hold the government employee and the agency they work for accountable. 

You may report this accident to the police, collect evidence from the accident scene, and seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering with a Florida motor vehicle accident lawyer. 

In most car accident cases, you can pursue compensation from the other party’s insurance. When it comes to crashes with government vehicles, this process is a little more complex. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), you can sue the government for the actions of someone acting on behalf of the United States, like the driver of a government vehicle. 

Government Negligence 

You don’t need to collide directly with a government vehicle for a government agency to be liable. Sometimes, car crashes are out of both drivers’ control. Instead, they may be due to poor road conditions.

It is the state of Florida’s responsibility to maintain safe roads for its citizens. When the government fails to do this, they are negligent. Citizens pay tolls and taxes to fund road construction. When there are potholes, for example, the government should fill them promptly.

Similarly, Florida is prone to tropical storms. When storms leave debris on the road, it’s the government’s job to clean it and ensure the safety of drivers. When they fail to do so, and you’re injured in a car crash as a result, you may be able to file a claim against the state government.

Many construction companies operate under government contracts. If the workers fail to keep the roads safe while they’re working, this is another instance in which the government agency can be liable for your car accident in Florida.

Pursuing Compensation from a Government Agency

To pursue compensation from a government agency, contact a Florida motor vehicle accident attorney. The claims process becomes more complicated when you’re dealing with a government entity.

First, you have to file a claim with your insurance company. Afterward, you must notify the government that you are filing a lawsuit against them. If a governmental entity is involved, the time to bring your claim, may be shorter.

File a Claim Against a Government Agency With Experienced Motor Vehicle Attorneys

If a government agency is responsible for your car accident, you have the right to pursue compensation. Call 239-500-5000 for a free consultation with a Florida motor vehicle accident attorney at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A.