Accident on Lexington Street Injures Three People
A traffic collision in Sacramento on January 29 sent three people to a hospital with injuries. The accident involved a Sacramento animal control vehicle and happened around 4:50 p.m. at the Lexington Street intersection with El Camino Avenue. Officers with the Sacramento Police Department reported that the driver of the Sacramento animal control vehicle suffered minor injuries and was not transported to a hospital.
Traffic Collision Under Investigation to Determine Cause
No additional information was provided on the conditions of the other three who were taken to a hospital. The accident is being investigated to determine how it occurred. It is unknown whether the city vehicle contained any animals when the crash happened.
Accidents Involving a Government Vehicle
Bringing a lawsuit against a government entity can seem difficult even if you’ve suffered a serious injury; however, it isn’t impossible, particularly if you’re working with a personal injury attorney. The situation can be complicated since government agencies often enjoy immunity from liability, even when a private entity or individual would face liability for the same actions or omissions. Governments are only liable when they waive their immunity and agree to face a lawsuit.
Traffic Collision Exceptions
The federal government and many states have created exceptions to governmental immunity, including in a traffic accident. This makes it possible to sue the entity if an employee causes a personal injury in a government vehicle or poorly maintained roads cause an accident. Suing the government is allowed by law, but it is subject to strict guidelines for initiating a lawsuit and filing an injury claim. For injuries caused by the government, you do not have the right to compensation if you don’t follow these rules.
Filing Against a Government Entity Carries a Shorter Statute of Limitations
To apply for financial compensation for damages caused by a traffic collision, a plaintiff in California has two years from the date of injury to bring suit. The statute of limitations expires two years after the date of the injury, and you can no longer sue. You have one year from the date of discovery if the injury was not found at the time of the incident. Should you be late in filing, the case will not be heard in court.
Government Claims Have Different Rules
According to the California Tort Claims Act, you must file an administrative claim with the government agency within six months following a traffic collision with a government employee. The government agency must respond to your initial claim within 45 days.
If the claim is denied, you have six months from that date to file a lawsuit. In the event that you were involved in an accident with a government vehicle, you should contact an auto accident attorney as soon as possible.
Is a Public Entity Liable for its Actions?
There are specific reasons that citizens can file against government agencies:
- When a dangerous condition on government property or negligent road maintenance causes injury, a claim can be filed.
- The injuries that result from negligence by a government employee when they are at work or performing government duties can give rise to a claim. These injuries are often caused by government employees while they are driving.
- Injuries occur when an independent contractor is negligent while working in a government-owned building or property.
- In a government facility, there is inadequate security, resulting in injuries.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If your injury was caused by a government employee or vehicle, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact us for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. In addition, we can be reached online.
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Photo attribution: Image by Vladyslav Topyekha from Pixabay
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