9.00AM- 5.00PM
(262) 331-3553
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably in a stressful state of mind.
Breathe!
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but when the other party is a government vehicle, the situation can feel even more daunting. Unlike civilian vehicles, government vehicles are protected by a number of laws, and there are all sorts of obstacles standing between the accident and a final settlement.
The good news is no car accident – even ones with government vehicles – is impossible. At Mahony Law, we’ve helped many people in Wisconsin earn rightful compensation after a car accident. I want to first emphasize that the immediate steps after the collision are extremely important.
I’m here to guide you through this situation with compassion and clarity. This blog post will break down the steps you should take immediately after an accident with a government vehicle in Wisconsin – and how to set yourself up for success. Let’s simplify the process and ensure you’re prepared before reaching out to a government vehicle accident attorney.
It doesn’t matter who you get in a collision with; the well-being of you and everyone involved is paramount. Immediately after the accident, if possible, try to get to a safe place on the road out of the flow of traffic. Don’t leave the scene under any circumstance. Turn your hazard lights on.
Next, check for injuries and call 911 if medical attention is needed. If no one is in critical condition, call the non-emergency line to get the authorities on the scene.
The more information evidence you can capture at the scene, the better. Here are the major pieces to cover:
This information will be invaluable in building your claim – and will do a lot to help your government vehicle accident attorney negotiate for compensation.
When the authorities arrive, there will be a police officer and a medical team. Get checked by the medical professionals immediately. Some injuries, some potentially life-threatening, may not be immediately apparent due to the shock and adrenaline.
Early medical evaluation ensures that any hidden injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, are diagnosed promptly, preventing them from becoming more severe. A timely medical examination provides documented evidence of your injuries, which is essential for any insurance claims or legal action related to the accident.
When dealing with government employees and vehicles, you need to be extremely careful of your actions. You may be in shock, frustrated, or downright angry after the collision, we get it. No matter what the circumstances are, keep your cool when talking with the government employee. Any rash actions here WILL be used against you.
Politely exchange contact and insurance information with the driver of the government vehicle. Most importantly, do not discuss fault with the authorities of the other driver. This will be sorted out later. Even apologizing may imply fault.
Always remember: car accidents are called “accidents” for a reason. The other person did not wake up with a plan to collide with your vehicle. Getting angry in these situations solves nothing.
If there are witnesses who saw the accident, ask for their contact information and if they are willing, request a brief account of what they saw.
These witnesses can provide objective perspectives that may support your version of events – which is vital in building your claim against the government agency that owns the vehicle.
Reporting an accident is a bit different with government vehicles compared to civilian vehicles.
First, you’ll need to notify the police to get an official report. Next, inform the relevant government agency about the accident as soon as possible. A police report and timely notification to the agency are crucial for your claim.
In Wisconsin, the law requires that any accident resulting in injury or significant property damage be reported to law enforcement immediately. This ensures that there is an official record of the incident, which is vital when dealing with government entities, as they may have their own internal procedures for investigating accidents involving their vehicles.
Failing to report the accident to the police and the relevant government agency in a timely manner can jeopardize your ability to recover damages, as it may be used against you to question the seriousness of the incident or the validity of your claim.
Before filing a claim, it’s very important to understand the process after government vehicle accidents is no easy task. We commonly get asked if people really need to hire an attorney to manage this process for them. Ninety-nine times out of one hundred, people who don’t hire a car accident lawyer end up with a lowball settlement – or nothing at all.
Most insurance companies won’t even negotiate with you if you don’t have an attorney. Plain and simple, if you’ve been injured in a car accident with a government vehicle, hiring an experienced attorney is instrumental in getting a fair settlement.
Getting into an accident with a vehicle owned by local, state, or federal government entities introduces a layer of complexity – compared to typical car accident claims. Government vehicles can include anything from city maintenance trucks and state police cars to federal agency vehicles.
Here’s what you need to know about the specifics of dealing with claims involving government vehicles:
Vehicles owned by local government agencies can include city buses in Milwaukee, police cars in Madison, or other municipal vehicles across various Wisconsin towns and cities. Identifying the vehicle’s owning department is crucial, as claims must typically be filed directly with the city or town’s legal department or claims office.
These could be vehicles operated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin State Patrol, or vehicles belonging to the University of Wisconsin system. The State of Wisconsin has its own procedures for handling claims against it, governed by the state’s Department of Administration.
Federal agency fleet vehicles include USPS trucks, vehicles operated by the FBI, or other federal agencies operating within Wisconsin. Claims against federal entities are processed under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), requiring a different approach than local or state claims.
In Wisconsin, you have 120 days to file a notice after the date of the accident. This is a shorter window than for standard personal injury claims, emphasizing the importance of acting promptly.
Wisconsin law requires that the notice of claim include specific information, such as the circumstances of the accident with government-owned vehicles, the nature of the claim, and the claimed damages. This notice must be served directly to the responsible government entity or its insurance carrier.
If you’re facing the aftermath of an accident with a government vehicle in Wisconsin, hiring an attorney is the most important step in the legal process.
At Mahony Law, we work on a contingency fee agreement – meaning we make our fees as part of the total settlement AFTER we win. We don’t charge you anything to take your car accident claim.
Our team is ready to provide the support, advice, and representation you need to earn the compensation you deserve. Schedule a FREE consultation by calling 262-331-3553, emailing us at info@mahonylaw.com, or filling out an online form.
Navigating an accident with a government vehicle requires a careful approach, but with the right support and guidance, you can cover your damages in full – and get your life back on track quickly.
Our Wisconsin personal injury law firm has a true passion for helping people. Allow Mahony Law to pursue justice for you and your family after an injury or accident.
