What If I’m in a Car Accident Involving Government Vehicles in NJ?

Car accidents in New Jersey are inherently stressful. They become even more cumbersome when you’re involved in a collision involving a government vehicle. 

While certain elements are the same following a car crash with a private vehicle versus a government vehicle, there are additional considerations you’ll need to keep in mind if your crash was with a state-owned car. 

You need to know what steps to take and any potential legal implications, so contact Rosengard Law Group to get started on the right path forward. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about what happens if you’re in a car accident involving government vehicles in NJ.

Types of Government Vehicles

Government agencies use a variety of vehicles for day-to-day use. They may not even be instantly recognizable, but here’s what to be aware of:

• Administrative vehicles. People working for the government can drive cars, minivans, and SUVs for any number of administrative duties.

• Mobile command centers. These are larger vehicles or trucks equipped with communication and coordination equipment, specifically for use during emergencies.

• Prisoner transport vehicles. Many vehicles are needed to move prisoners to jail, court, or work sites.

• Armored vehicles. SWAT teams may use bulky vans for high-risk operations, equipped with ballistic panels and windows. 

Can I File a Claim After an Accident With a Government Vehicle?

You can file a claim following a car accident with a government vehicle in New Jersey. The process is largely the same, but there are some notable differences. 

First and foremost, it’s critical to gather and document evidence right away to support your claim. This includes getting a doctor’s report if you have any injuries and taking any pictures of damage to all vehicles involved. 

While it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney following any car accident, it’s all the more vital in one involving a government vehicle.

Legal Complexities in an Accident With Government Vehicles

While filing a claim with your insurance company when a government vehicle is involved can be straightforward enough, it becomes an issue if you plan on filing a lawsuit against the entity. 

Many organizations have sovereign immunity, which protects them against such lawsuits. However, there are exceptions to this immunity that could make a lawsuit more likely. For instance, negligent acts and omissions aren’t usually protected, so if a government worker was drunk on a job and got in a wreck with another vehicle, they wouldn’t necessarily be protected.

It’s also possible the Federal Tort Claims Act will govern the process. The FTCA makes it so that the federal government is a self-insurer, recognizing liability in the event an employee acted negligently while in the line of duty. Certain laws may not apply in the event the government worker is off-duty but still operating a government car. 

Liability in Government Vehicle Accidents

As with any other car accident case, liability comes down to a number of factors to determine who was ultimately at fault or if there’s shared blame. It’s possible it comes down to one of the drivers acting negligently, either intentionally or unintentionally. 

This is why it’s critical to contact the police to make a report on the collision as quickly as possible because they can help establish who bears most of the blame. 

Compensation for Victims

Insurance may pay for all or some of the expenses that arise out of a car accident, such as repairing any damage to the vehicle. However, it’s possible it won’t be enough to cover everything. 

Additional compensation may be required, which is when it may become necessary to file a lawsuit against a government agency or go through the tort process.

Here are some of the damages you may be able to recover compensation for after a collision with a government vehicle: 

• Medical expenses. Including hospitalization, medical treatments, medications, future expenses, and rehabilitation.

• Lost wages. For any time you take off work to address matters related to the car accident, as well as your recovery from your injuries.

• Future lost earning capacity. When you may not be able to make as much money in the future due to a permanent injury.

• Loss of consortium. When a significant event impacts your relationship with a spouse or other close loved one.
• Pain and suffering. For the emotional toll of the collision.

The amount of compensation you might receive depends on the extent of the losses. A qualified lawyer can help you understand how much your claim is worth and how to get that amount from the New Jersey or federal government.

Accident with a Government Vehicle? Speak with a New Jersey Car Crash Attorney

Rosengard Law Group has ample understanding of all kinds of car accidents, including those involving government vehicles. It’s a tricky area, so don’t leave it up to chance. 

Contact our car accident lawyers for a free case evaluation to learn more about your options and whether a lawsuit would be the best path to take. Contact us online or call 856-284-6446 today.