You may be able to recover compensation if a government vehicle hits your parked car and causes property damage. Take pictures of the damage, get the driver’s name and badge number, and ask for a copy of the police report. You may have a claim under Texas law for property damage caused by government vehicles in some situations, though various immunities could apply. Your own insurance company may cover damages under your policy as well.
Austin Government Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Best Government Vehicle Accident Attorney in Austin, TX
When police cars, city buses, sanitation trucks, and other government vehicles collide with pedestrians or drivers, they can pose unique legal issues. State agencies have certain legal immunities that protect them from certain legal claims. After an accident involving a government vehicle, injured parties should understand their legal rights. An Austin government vehicle accident lawyer can help.
Get to Know The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
Located in Austin, Texas, our law firm represents injury victims from all over the city and surrounding counties. At The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, we have represented thousands of clients, and our lawyers offer legal services in English and Spanish.
Personal injury claims are accepted on a contingency-fee basis, which means you do not owe any attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. The attorneys at The Stewart Law Firm can help guide you through the process of investigating your accident and work with you to determine what laws apply to your case.
CALL (512) 326-3200 TO SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION
Common Government Vehicle Accidents in Austin
Government vehicles use MoPac Expressway, Interstate 35, and U.S. Highway 183 while on official business just like any other driver. They may also respond to emergencies or conduct maintenance along these roadways. Accidents may happen when the vehicle is in use during normal operation or while engaged in an emergency response. Types of government vehicles involved in crashes include:
- Police cars and patrol vehicles
- EMS vehicles, including ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Public works vehicles
- Department of vehicles
- State- or government-owned cars
Government vehicle accidents can occur for a number of reasons, including the driver driving while distracted or fatigued, failing to abide by road laws, and road or weather conditions. Emergency vehicles may be granted certain privileges while navigating through traffic. However, those privileges do not absolve a driver from responsibility for all accidents.
Texas Government Vehicle Accident Laws
Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, governmental entities enjoy immunity from many forms of legal liability. Immunity may be waived only under specific circumstances. However, the law states that the government entity can be liable for personal injury or death caused by an employee who was negligent in the operation or use of a motor-driven vehicle within the scope of employment if the requirements of the statute are met.
If you were injured by a government vehicle, you should speak with an Austin government vehicle accident attorney to determine if your case falls under the exceptions to immunity. Do not assume that you can file a claim just because a government employee or agent caused your injuries.
Deadlines for Filing a Claim
Austin government vehicle accident claims require notice to be provided to the responsible government agency. Although some cities may have as little as 90 days to provide notice, injured parties generally have six months from the date of the accident to provide the government agency notice of a potential claim.
Keep in mind that government vehicle accident claims have different deadlines than typical injury claims. Individuals should determine which agency was responsible for causing the accident and provide notice early.
The facts of the collision should be included in the notice. Although there are some exceptions for when the government agency has actual notice of the accident, claims can be barred for failure to provide any notice.
Compensation for Government Vehicle Accidents
When someone is injured in a government vehicle accident, they may suffer a number of different injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent disabilities. Available damages depend on the injuries suffered and available evidence. Available damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Some damages are limited under the Texas Tort Claims Act, which also imposes caps on the amount of money that can be recovered based on the governmental entity involved.
The Texas Department of Transportation reported 4,150 fatalities statewide, 14,905 serious injury crashes, and 18,218 seriously injured people statewide in 2024. These numbers include all reported motor vehicle collisions, not just collisions with government vehicles. You can file your eligible civil claim in the Travis County District Courts located at the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility, 1700 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701.
CALL (512) 326-3200 TO SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION
FAQs
Hire a Government Vehicle Accident Lawyer
If you suffered an injury after a government vehicle accident, hire a government vehicle accident lawyer right away. The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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