Recovering compensation after a car accident is not always easy. In some cases, the other driver’s insurance company works quickly, resolves the issues of fault and damages relatively quickly, and all parties are able to move on without any significant delays. But in most cases, the insurance companies drag their feet and can keep a case pending for months or even longer before it is settled. If a driver is injured in an accident with a negligent driver who is a government employee operating a government car, there may be additional delays due to the law governing how claims against the government may be handled.
It is not easy to sue the government in Virginia, as in many other states, because government entities and some employees are immune from liability for acts they take in their official capacities. Before deciding to sue the government or a government employee, you have to ensure that the conduct you are alleging is exempt from the broad immunity from liability enjoyed by the government, its employees, and, in some cases, its contractors. This is why it is critical to consult with a Virginia car accident attorney if you have been injured.
Special Rules for Federal Government Personal Injury Lawsuits
Generally, motorists cannot sue the government if they have an accident at a part of the road where missing road signs or non-operational traffic lights allegedly contributed to the accident. Government officials and entities are also not liable for injuries caused by a defective road design as long as it was a legislatively approved design. These types of incidents usually fall under the sovereign immunity doctrine.
However, a car accident victim may be able to sue when the at-fault driver is an employee of the government. If the government entity or official is federal, the injury claim would fall under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), not the Virginia injury statute. The process for this is very stringent; if not followed, the victim loses their right to pursue damages.
The first step is filing a specific form notifying the governmental entity of the victim’s intention to sue. This must be done before the claim can proceed and must be filed within two years of the accident. Once the notification has been made, the government agency has six months to respond, whether accepting or denying liability. If denied, the victim has another six months to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Once the claim is filed, it can be denied or approved. If denied, the person seeking compensation has another six months to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
Suing Virginia Governments
If the at-fault driver was an employee of a state agency, a similar process is in place. Notification must also be made; however, the deadline for that notification is one year. The notification also goes to the Director of the Division of Risk Management or the Attorney General.
There is yet a third process required if the government entity the at-fault driver works for is a municipality, with an even smaller notification window of six months.
Call Our Office Today
As you can see, pursuing a car accident claim against a government entity is a complex procedure. Car accident cases with private parties can be complicated enough, but those involving the government can be overwhelming for the victims and their families. Having a skilled Virginia personal injury lawyer advocating for you and guiding you through this complicated process ensures your right to financial compensation is protected.
Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation and learn about your legal options.