South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
A Miami-Dade Schools Police officer and a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy were hospitalized after their vehicles collided outside Northwestern Senior High School. The crash occurred at the intersection of Northwest 67th Street and 10th Avenue around 4:50 p.m. Emergency responders transported both individuals to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. Authorities expect both to recover, but investigating the circumstances remains ongoing.
What Happens When a Government Vehicle Causes a Crash?
Collisions involving government vehicles raise unique legal questions. When a law enforcement car, fire truck, or other public service vehicle crashes into a civilian car, pursuing compensation requires different steps than a standard auto accident claim. The government has legal protections that do not apply to private citizens, and these protections can limit liability or set strict requirements for filing claims.
Holding a government agency accountable differs from filing a claim against a private driver. Florida’s sovereign immunity laws restrict lawsuits against state and local agencies but allow claims under certain conditions. Victims of government-related crashes must follow specific procedures, including filing a formal notice of claim within a set deadline. Failure to meet these requirements may prevent recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How This Case Differs from Civilian Accidents
The recent Miami collision involved two government-operated vehicles rather than a private car and a government entity. This means sovereign immunity does not impact civilians in this case. Instead, the agencies involved will determine liability and handle any internal claims. The same process does not apply when a government vehicle strikes a civilian’s car, as individuals must take specific legal steps to pursue financial recovery.
Different factors would have influenced the case if a civilian driver had been involved. Under Florida law, emergency response vehicles operating with lights and sirens have legal privileges, but those privileges do not eliminate all responsibility. Liability may still apply if an officer or first responder acts recklessly or disregards public safety.
Filing a Claim Against a Government Entity
Certain rules dictate how you can seek compensation if you suffer injuries in a crash involving a government vehicle. Florida law requires victims to:
- File a written notice of claim within three years of the accident;
- Provide the agency with time to investigate before filing a lawsuit; and
- Adhere to damage caps that may limit compensation.
These restrictions make government-related accident claims different from standard car accident lawsuits. Missing deadlines or failing to follow procedures can prevent you from obtaining financial relief.
Legal Challenges in Cases Against Government Agencies
Government entities often aggressively defend against accident claims. They may argue that an employee acted within the scope of their duties or that a civilian driver contributed to the crash. Additionally, certain legal immunities may limit the amount an injured party can recover.
Law enforcement vehicles present additional challenges. Police officers who respond to emergencies receive legal protections but must still exercise caution. If an officer hurts a civilian driver due to an officer’s reckless behavior, legal action may still be possible. Establishing negligence in these cases requires a detailed examination of traffic laws, agency policies, and the specific facts of the collision.
What to Do If a Government Vehicle Hits Your Car
If you are involved in an accident with a government-operated vehicle, taking immediate steps can protect your rights:
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor;
- Document the scene with photos and videos;
- Collect contact information from witnesses;
- Request a copy of the police report; and
- Consult an attorney to ensure you follow the correct legal procedures.
Handling a claim against a government agency requires precision. Any mistake in filing or missed deadline can impact your ability to recover damages.
Know Your Rights After an Accident Involving a Government Vehicle
Collisions with government-operated vehicles involve complex legal rules that differ from standard car accident claims. Sovereign immunity laws can limit lawsuits, and strict filing deadlines may impact your ability to seek compensation. Whether the accident involved a law enforcement vehicle, fire truck, or other public service vehicle, understanding your legal options is crucial. An experienced attorney can help determine liability and ensure that procedural requirements are met to protect your right to financial recovery.
At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A., we advocate for individuals injured in crashes involving government entities. If you were involved in an accident with a government-operated vehicle, we can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call the Miami personal injury lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada at 305-448-8585. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.