King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Federal Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Knowledgeable Federal Vehicle Accident Attorney Based in King of Prussia

A collision with a federal vehicle can leave you with several questions—perhaps most importantly, who is responsible for compensating you for your injuries? The process of filing a claim in these kinds of cases can become complicated, which is why legal representation is so important for pursuing payment for your injuries. A King of Prussia, PA federal vehicle accident attorney can investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Neuwirth Law Office, LLC, we have the skills and knowledge to pursue car accident claims involving government liability. Attorney Andrew Neuwirth is a respected member of multiple legal associations, so you can rely on his insights as he guides you throughout your case.

How Sovereign Immunity Applies to Federal Vehicle Accident Claims

Sovereign immunity generally protects the federal government from being sued, but the Federal Tort Claims Act creates an exception that allows injured people to pursue claims against the government under certain circumstances. If you were hurt in an accident involving a vehicle owned or operated by a federal agency, such as the postal service, a military branch, or another government department, this law may allow you to seek compensation.

Filing a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act requires following a specific process. You must first submit an administrative claim to the federal agency responsible for the vehicle, generally within two years of the accident. The agency then has a set amount of time to respond. If your claim is denied, or if the agency does not respond in time, you may be able to file a lawsuit in federal court. These deadlines and procedures should be verified carefully, since missing a step can prevent you from recovering compensation.

Causes of Accidents Involving Federal Vehicles

Federal vehicles operate under many of the same conditions as other vehicles on the road, and accidents involving them can happen for similar reasons. Common causes include:

• Distracted driving: A federal employee looking at a phone, radio, or in-vehicle equipment can miss changes in traffic.
• Fatigue: Long shifts and demanding schedules can leave a driver less alert behind the wheel.
• Speeding: Federal employees under time pressure to complete deliveries or assignments may drive faster than conditions allow.
• Improper backing or turning: Government vehicles frequently make stops that require careful backing and turning maneuvers.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: A failure to properly maintain a federal vehicle can lead to brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical problems.
• Failure to follow traffic laws: Running a red light, rolling through a stop sign, or failing to yield can all contribute to a serious crash.

Identifying the specific cause of your accident is an important step in building a strong claim.

How Much Is a Federal Vehicle Accident Claim Worth?

The Federal Tort Claims Act allows injured people to recover many of the same types of compensation available in a typical Pennsylvania injury case. Since claims under this law are generally evaluated using Pennsylvania law, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, including hospital care, surgery, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity can also be included if your injuries affect your ability to work now or in the future.

Property damage, such as the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, is typically recoverable as well. Pain and suffering, along with the broader impact your injuries have had on your daily life, can also factor into the value of your claim. You are also generally limited to the dollar amount you listed in your original administrative claim, so it is important to include a complete and accurate estimate of your damages when you first file. In most cases, that amount can only be increased later if new information about your injuries comes to light after the claim was submitted.

Contact a King of Prussia, PA Federal Vehicle Accident Attorney

Claims against a federal agency involve procedures that differ from an ordinary accident case. At Neuwirth Law Office, LLC, we will do everything we can to maximize your recovery after a crash involving a government vehicle. Call 215-259-3687 or contact our King of Prussia, Pennsylvania federal vehicle accident lawyer to set up a free consultation.