If you suffered injuries because of an auto accident and at least one other party is at fault for causing the collision, you might qualify to file a personal injury claim that seeks just compensation.
However, if you were involved in a car crash with a city employee operating a city-owned vehicle, filing a personal injury claim takes a much different legal path.
City and State Laws for Government Personal Injury Claims
You might have the option to file a personal injury claim against the city. First, you must submit a “Notice of Claim” to the proper government agency. For example, if a city employee who works for the Parks and Recreation Department hits your motor vehicle, then you file a Notice of Claim with the Parks and Recreation Department.
The city offers a free download of a claim form on its website. You have 120 days after the date of the auto accident to file your Notice of Claim.
The city denies most Notice of Claims, which means the next step is to file a civil lawsuit against the appropriate city department. You have three years after the date of the car collision to file a personal injury lawsuit against the city.
When is the City at Fault for an Auto Accident
Although driver error receives most of the attention for causing motor vehicle accidents, the city might be legally liable for not following proper maintenance procedures. The city owns a large fleet of vehicles, from police cars to sanitation trucks.
Improper maintenance or not performing maintenance at all can cause a city vehicle to operate poorly. The result can be a city vehicle hitting your car because of maintenance issues such as weak brakes, deflated tires, or no turn signal.
Working with a personal injury attorney can help you determine what caused the accident that you had with a city-owned vehicle.
How Do I Handle An Accident with a Madison Metro Transit Bus?
Municipal bus drivers must follow much stricter standards for operating a motor vehicle. A poorly trained bus driver might take risks that a more experienced bus driver would not take. Many city bus drivers work overtime to ensure the transit system meets its transportation obligations.
The result of overtime can be a driver who is fatigued enough to make a driving mistake. To make up for falling behind schedule, a bus driver might operate a bus at excessive speeds.
Other issues that can cause a bus driver to collide with another motor vehicle include distraction, intoxication, and reckless driving.
Why Do I Need an Attorney to File a Claim Against the City?
If a city-owned vehicle struck your car, the city will refer the case to one of the many attorneys that work for the local government. Because of the legal firepower, you cannot expect to win a claim on your own.
Hiring a personal injury attorney ensures you meet the deadlines for filing a claim and/or a lawsuit against the city. Your lawyer is also there to help you collect the evidence you need to present a convincing case.
Schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about how to file a personal injury claim against the city.
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 Madison, or the state government of Wisconsin, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
