Filing an auto accident claim against the city is a much different process than it is to file one against an individual. However, the types of monetary damages that you might win remain the same under both circumstances.
If a city-owned motor vehicle hits your car, you have the right to file a claim that seeks just compensation. Special compensatory damages cover economic losses such as medical bills, property damage, and the income lost because you cannot work. General compensatory damages compensate you for pain and suffering that can include developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD). Punitive damages penalize the defendant for causing the auto collision.
How Do City and State Laws Address Personal Injury Claims?
Once covered by immunity, most city governments allow plaintiffs to file a personal injury claim for an auto accident. The first step in the process is to submit a “Notice of Claim.” You provide the city with your name and contact information, as well as a detailed description of how the accident unfolded. You should also send copies of medical bills and your doctor’s prognosis for making a full recovery.
You have two years from the date when the auto accident occurred to file a Notice of Claim. However, you should act with a sense of urgency to take care of rising medical expenses. You file a Notice of Claim with the Nevada Office of Attorney General. Most state laws require plaintiffs to file claims with the city where they got involved in an accident with a city-owned motor vehicle.
What Causes Accidents with City-Owned Vehicles?
Driver error remains the most common reason why city-owned vehicles hit other cars. Some of the reasons for driver error include inexperience and taking reckless chances. Poor road maintenance is another reason for causing auto accidents. The key is to determine whether the city, state, or federal government is legally responsible for the upkeep of roads and highways. If poor maintenance caused your auto accident, you might have a strong claim to seek monetary damages.
How Do I Handle a Collision with an RTC Bus
The city operates a bus system that covers the entire metro area. Getting struck by a Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) bus can cause serious, if not life-threatening injuries. City bus drivers are held to higher operational standards than other drivers. Nonetheless, a city bus driver might violate a traffic law, become overly fatigued, or lack the proper training to operate a bus safely.
If you were hit by a city bus, you have the right to file a personal injury claim that seeks monetary damages.
How Can an Attorney Help Me With a Claim?
A personal injury lawyer can help you submit a Notice of Claim that includes persuasive evidence. The footage from a traffic signal camera can be what you need to prove your case. If the city denies your Notice of Claim, your attorney might file a civil lawsuit against the city. Working with a personal injury attorney ensures you meet the two-year deadline for filing a Notice of Claim. However, your lawyer is there to motivate you to file a claim as quickly as possible after the accident that caused your injuries.
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 Reno or the state government of Nevada, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
