Car accidents can cause debilitating injuries that take years to heal. If you suffered injuries because of the negligence of another driver, you have the right to take the other driver to court. If the other driver is a city employee who drove a city-owned vehicle, then you must follow a different process for receiving the compensation that you deserve.
The claim filing process against a government agency is not as clear as it is for filing a lawsuit against a motorist. Working with a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the claim filing process.
How I File a Claim Against the City?
If you believe you suffered injuries that were caused by the negligence of a city agency or employee, you might be eligible to receive monetary damages if you present convincing evidence with your claim.
You have 180 days after the auto accident with a city-owned vehicle to submit a “Notice of Claim” to the proper government agency. The city website allows you to download the Notice of Claim. With the help of a personal injury, you must complete every section of the claim form to ensure the city reviews it in a timely manner. Submit your name and contact information, as well as a detailed account of the accident. The city wants to know when the accident happened, as well as a description of your injuries and the damage done to your vehicle.
The city should respond within 60 days of receiving your Notice of Claim. You might receive an approval letter, but a majority of claims come back rejected. If the city denies your Notice of Claim, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the city. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit against a government agency is one year.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents with City-Owned Vehicles?
Many of the reasons why motorists get involved in car accidents pertain to accidents that involve city-owned vehicles. Driver distraction is a common reason why city-owned vehicles cause car collisions. The types of driver distractions include texting and driving, as well as interacting with a supervisor over a computing device. Emergency vehicles pose an especially serious threat because of the high speeds at which they travel. Police officers in a high-speed pursuit of a suspect can cause serious, if not deadly vehicle accidents.
If you were involved in an accident with a city-owned emergency vehicle, consult with a personal injury attorney to determine whether the driver of the emergency vehicle violated the city’s speed policy.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
The city employs a team of highly skilled attorneys to address personal injury claims filed against it. Going it alone when filing a claim or a lawsuit puts you at a legal disadvantage. Hiring a personal injury attorney shows the city that you are serious about your claim. Your attorney can help you build a compelling case by gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Most city intersections have cameras attached to traffic lights. Your lawyer will want to review the camera footage to determine whether negligence played a role in the car accident.
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 Chandler, or the state government of Arizona, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
