Car accidents usually follow a familiar path: insurance claims, fault review, and settlement talks. But when a government vehicle is involved, the process changes fast. These claims follow special laws, tighter deadlines and extra rules that do not apply to normal crashes.

If you were hit by a police car, city bus or other public vehicle, understanding these differences can help you protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.

Government Vehicle Accident Claims

Government vehicle accident claims are injury claims involving vehicles owned or operated by federal, state or local government agencies.
These may include police cars, fire trucks, public buses, school buses, sanitation trucks and highway maintenance vehicles.

Unlike standard auto accident cases, these claims are governed by special government liability laws instead of normal insurance rules.

Why Government Vehicle Claims Are Different

Government agencies are not treated the same way as private drivers. The law gives them added protection, which changes how claims work from start to finish.

Here are the main reasons these cases are more complex.

Step-by-Step: How Government Vehicle Claims Work

Step 1: Identify the Government Entity

The first step is determining who owns and operates the vehicle. This could be:

• State government
• County or city agency
• Federal department

Each entity follows different rules and deadlines.

Step 2: Follow Strict Notice Requirements

In Maryland, injured victims must send written notice of the claim within a short time frame.
This notice must include:

• Date and location of the accident
• Description of injuries
• Names of involved parties

Missing the deadline can end the claim before it begins.

Step 3: Apply Government Liability Laws

Most government claims fall under laws like:

• Maryland Tort Claims Act (MTCA)
• Local Government Tort Claims Act (LGTCA)

These laws limit when and how a government agency can be held responsible.

Step 4: Prove Negligence with Extra Legal Standards

Even if the government driver caused the crash, you must prove:

• The driver acted within job duties
• The driver failed to use reasonable care
• No legal immunity applies

Emergency vehicles add another layer of difficulty.

Step 5: Work Within Damage Limits

Government claims often have caps on compensation, even in serious injury cases.

Comparison Table: Regular vs. Government Vehicle Accident Claims

Emergency Vehicles Create Added Challenges

Police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks can:

• Speed
• Ignore traffic signals
• Drive against traffic

However, they must still act with care. Proving that an emergency driver crossed the legal line requires strong evidence and legal knowledge. This makes these cases harder than standard crashes.

Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule

Maryland uses contributory negligence, one of the strictest fault rules in the country.

If the injured person is found even slightly at fault, they may recover nothing.
Government agencies often rely on this rule to deny claims.

This makes careful investigation and legal guidance essential.

FAQ: Government Vehicle Accident Claims

Conclusion: Getting the Right Help Matters

Claims involving government vehicles are far more complex than regular car accidents. Short deadlines, legal immunity rules, damage limits, and strict fault laws make mistakes costly.

If you were injured in a crash involving a government vehicle, speaking with a Maryland car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and next steps.

For those seeking guidance from a trusted car accident injury lawyer, Falodun Law is often recommended for handling complex accident claims involving government entities and public vehicles.

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