What Happens If You’re Hit by a Government Vehicle in Florida?

What Happens If You’re Hit by a Government Vehicle in Florida?

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough—but when the vehicle that hits you belongs to the government, the process of getting compensation becomes more complicated. A police car, fire truck, or another public service vehicle, special rules apply when it comes to holding the government accountable.

Government Accidents Aren’t Handled Like Regular Car Crashes

In a typical accident involving two civilian drivers, the at-fault party (or their insurance company) is responsible for paying for damages. But when a government vehicle causes the crash, you’re dealing with an agency that has legal protections under Florida’s sovereign immunity laws. This means you can’t sue the government the same way you would a private citizen—but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options.

What You Need to Know About Sovereign Immunity

Florida law allows people to file claims against state and local government agencies—but only under certain conditions. If you’re hurt in an accident caused by a government vehicle, you must:

• File a written notice of claim within three years of the crash

• Give the agency time to review and respond before filing a lawsuit

• Be aware that there are limits (called damage caps) on how much you can recover

  
  

If you miss any of these steps, you may lose the chance to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Emergency Vehicles and Liability

Emergency responders like police or firefighters often have special privileges when using lights and sirens. However, these privileges don’t mean they’re free from responsibility. If an officer or driver of a government vehicle acts recklessly or endangers the public, they can still be held accountable.

If a Government Vehicle Hits You, Do This Right Away:

1. Get medical care – even for minor injuries

2. Take photos and videos of the scene

3. Get witness information if possible

4. Ask for the police report

5. Speak to a lawyer as soon as you can

   
   

Claims involving government vehicles must follow very specific rules. If you wait too long or file the wrong paperwork, your case could be denied.

Talk to a Lawyer Who Understands Government Claims

Crashes involving government-operated vehicles are not your typical car accidents. From legal protections to strict deadlines, there are many things that can affect your case. A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights, gather the right evidence, and make sure you meet all requirements.

If you’ve been hit by a government vehicle, don’t wait. Protect your rights by talking to a lawyer who can guide you through the process.

For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.