Tampa Bay, Florida Automobile Accidents Involving the Federal Government

They're not always easy to recognize, but many federal vehicles are on Tampa Bay area roads. From military trucks to mail carriers to FBI, ATF, and DEA cars, vehicles owned and operated by the federal government are everywhere.

Like any other vehicle, federal vehicles get into automobile accidents. But what happens when an accident with a federal vehicle causes injuries, and the government employee is at fault?

Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the federal government is not easy, but it's not impossible, either. Because the government is protected from lawsuits to a certain degree, Tampa Bay area residents who have been injured in an accident with a federal vehicle should seek the advice of a Tampa automobile accidents lawyer quickly. Otherwise, you may miss the statute of limitations. Depending on the case, you could have as little as 30 days to submit your injury claim to the government.

Car accident claims with federal vehicles are governed through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) of 1946. An FTCA claim is quite different than filing a typical auto accident lawsuit. One clear difference is that an FTCA case is heard in federal court by a judge. This is called a bench trial. In contrast, other personal injury cases in Florida would typically be heard in a state district court before a judge and a jury.

Another unique feature of getting into an automobile accident with a federal vehicle is the nature and scope of a federal employee's job. For example, an FBI agent may find it necessary to drive at high speeds to catch up with a suspect. If that FBI agent were to hit your car during the pursuit and you were injured, you may have to prove the agent was grossly negligent before you are awarded compensation for your injuries. If a federal judge decides the agent was not grossly negligent but simply doing his job, you may be the one responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and personal property loss, even if you were not at fault in the accident at all.

In addition to a different courtroom and a higher standard of negligence, FTCA cases may also require you to request a specific dollar amount upfront for your injuries and other losses. This can be tricky. Once you declare a settlement figure, you may be permanently limited to that amount in court, even if you find out later that your medical care will cost more than expected. You and your attorney need to calculate a settlement amount that takes everything into consideration, including your future medical care and lost wages.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a federal vehicle, please consult with Tampa automobile accidents lawyer Dale Appell, P.A. Our law firm has experience in these types of cases and we will ensure all technical procedures, filing deadlines, and settlement questions are resolved in your federal case.