If you have had an accident in the big city, or anywhere, and you are certain the accident and the injuries you got were due to negligence on the part of a government worker or government agency, you could be entitled to submit a compensation claim against the city agency responsible for the accident.
If the claim is to be specifically leveled at the state or the city, it’s not quite so straightforward as filing against a privately owned business, organization or individual, as the rules are quite different. It makes good sense if you are in this situation to discuss your case with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who will know almost immediately if you are likely to have a good case for winning your claim.
City and State Laws Regarding Government Personal Injury Claims
In some states, if you fall over in the premises of a private business which you are allowed access and you are injured enough to need hospital treatment and time off work to recover, the normal scenario is to file a personal injury claim against that person or entity which caused your fall. It’s not quite the same when it comes to an accident on state or government property.
Potential Car Accident Causes in the City
There are many ways you can become involved in a car accident in the city which involve government property. These include:
- swerving to avoid a speeding bus driver;
- hitting a government owned vehicle that has run a red light;
- falling into a pot hole causing your car to lurch violently and injure you; a claim may then be permitted if the pot hole was on a city road and was due to lack of maintenance by the city.
- running into a bus that fails to signal and pulls out in front of you.
Any of these accident scenarios may show you aren’t at fault, so may be grounds for filing a claim against the city agency responsible.
Accidents Involving Public Transportation in the City
The public bus system tries to encourage drivers and passengers to vanpool, car pool, cycle and walk as a way of reducing congestion and pollution. In the meantime despite its good intentions there are many accidents that take place on the roads which cause serious injuries. Some of the commonest occur when a bus driver fails to signal his or intention and pulls out of a bus stop and a car behind fails to stop quickly enough causing a rear-ender to take place. Others invariably occur when the driver is on the cell phone, even though it’s forbidden and rear ends a car at the lights.
Use an Experienced Attorney if Considering Claiming Against the City
If you are injured and the accident involved a city bus you may need an experienced personal injury attorney to help you to submit a notice of claim. It should include sufficient evidence proving negligence so the city bus company can’t claim immunity but you can be compensated.
Additional Resources
Auto Accident Resources in Colorado Springs
Finding an Attorney in Colorado Springs
Disclaimer
The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against the city of Colorado Springs, or the state government of Colorado, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
