Car Accidents Involving Government Vehicles in San Antonio, TX
We expect to see government automobiles such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars giving assistance at the scene of an accident. However, if one of these vehicles is the reason for your accident, then you may be confused about the right steps to take. Can you receive damages from the government? Do you need to hire a personal injury attorney? We understand your questions, and are here to help.
What are Government Vehicles?
Government vehicles are more than just fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars; they also include military vehicles such as those in the army, navy, air force, marines, and DPS vehicles. As long as these government employees are not on an emergency call, they can potentially be held liable for injury that they have caused. Similar to drivers in company vehicle accidents, if the government employee at the wheel is acting within the scope of their employment, they may be held accountable. This applies to every level of government employee, both local and federal, if they proximate cause property damage, personal injury, or death.
What Are You Entitled to After a Government Vehicle Accident?
Until a few decades ago, all government employees were immune to laws concerning accident fault. This was under a system of Sovereign Immunity, a centuries-old system that waived the right of ordinary people to sue for government-related car accidents. In 1969, Texas revoked some sovereign immunity with the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA), which applies to cases in which a state or local government or municipality’s vehicle driver is negligent or causes personal injury. Private individuals can now seek reparations for accidents caused by these government employees, but the TTCA limits the damages allowed in these cases depending on the level of governmental entity involved. The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) also provides a waiver of sovereign immunity under certain circumstances for federal governmental employees involved in a car accident.
Hire Toscano Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys
Taking on a case against the government can sound overwhelming, but we are confident we can help you get the justice you deserve. Through years of experience in tort law, we understand the complexities of personal injury cases in Texas. If you think that you’ve been a victim of an accident involving a government vehicle, then it is imperative you discuss your case with an accident lawyer as soon as possible.
