Filing a personal injury claim allows you to seek monetary damages to pay for things like medical bills and repairs for property damage. However, not all personal injury claims are created equal.
Because of legal terms like sovereign immunity, filing a personal injury claim against a government agency or employee is more difficult than it is to file a personal injury claim against a business, individual, or non-profit organization.
The good news is that by working with a personal injury lawyer, you may increase your chances of getting a personal injury claim approved by the city.
How Does the City Handle Personal Injury Claims?
One or more acts of negligence committed by a city agency or employee might warrant the filing of a personal injury claim. However, filing a personal injury claim against the city requires you to follow a strict set of steps.
First, you need to download the “Notice of Claim” form from the city’s website. A Notice of Claim asks you for your name and contact information.
You also must provide the city with a detailed description of what transpired before, during, and after the auto accident. Evidence such as photographs of the damage done to your car and the records that list your medical expenses can help you build a strong enough claim to receive approval from the city.
You have 180 days after the date of the accident to file a Notice of Claim against the city. If you fail to meet the deadline for submitting a Notice of Claim, the city will dismiss your claim.
You should file your Notice of Claim as soon as possible after the auto accident to get the ball rolling on your case. If the city denies your claim, you have the right to take the city to court where you seek monetary damages.
What Are the Frequent Causes of Auto Collisions with City-Owned Vehicles?
You do not have to get involved with a city-owned vehicle to have a compelling claim that seeks just compensation. Poorly maintained roads represent one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in the city.
With the city sitting in a humid zone where it rains almost daily in summer and fall, area roads tend to deteriorate faster than the roads in other parts of the country. The city is legally liable for accidents that are caused by poorly maintained roads.
How Do I Handle An Accident with a PSTA Bus?
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) manages the city’s bus system. If you were involved in a car accident with a PSTA bus, you might have a strong enough case to file a personal injury claim. Bus accidents can produce serious, even life-threatening injuries that rack of medical bills that run into the thousands of dollars.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
The city employs a team of highly skilled attorneys to address personal injury claims. You cannot expect to be awarded monetary damages if you represent yourself during the legal process. Having a personal injury on your side balances the scale of justice. Your lawyer ensures you file a complete and accurate Notice of Claim before the expiration of the statute of limitations.
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 St. Petersburg, or the state of Florida, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
