Accidents With Municipal Vehicles in New York City
New York City operates the largest municipal fleet in the country, with more than 30,000 vehicles. Thousands of New Yorkers rely on city vehicles such as public buses for transportation, while city-owned vehicles such as garbage trucks and street sweepers keep the city clean and efficient. Unfortunately, municipal vehicles cause accidents. If you have suffered an injury in an accident with a municipal vehicle, contact us to discuss your legal options.
Why Choose Us?
- We have years of history representing clients in all five boroughs, including many cases involving NYC municipal vehicle accidents.
- We have obtained more than $2 billion in settlements and judgment awards for our clients in the past 10 years alone.
- We work on a contingency-fee basis. We only charge our clients attorney fees if we secure them a financial award.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Claims against municipalities for collisions involving city vehicles are complex, because they follow different rules than typical car accident claims. For example, instead of having three years form the date of the crash to bring a personal injury claim, you have just 90 days to file your official notice with the allegedly at-fault party. Breaking any of the rules during the filing process could jeopardize your right to recovery.
Do not try to negotiate your personal injury claim against the government alone. Hiring a lawyer after a collision with a city-owned vehicle can give you peace of mind during the legal process. Your attorney can handle complicated legal matters while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Whether a federal employee caused your car accident, or a municipal vehicle collided with you during city tasks, a lawyer can help you fight for fair recovery.
Common Causes of Municipal Vehicle Collisions
An accident with a municipal vehicle in New York City can have many causes, but negligence is at the heart of most collisions. The negligence of the driver, vehicle owner, roadway designer, and/or other parties can contribute to serious car accidents. Determining the cause of your crash is one of the first steps toward obtaining financial compensation.
- Federal employee negligence;
- Municipal vehicle driver negligence or recklessness;
- Lack of municipal vehicle maintenance;
- Third-party driver fault;
- Unsafe roadway design or defects.
If the city or one of its employees is responsible for causing your car accident, you may have a claim against the government in New York. This could be the case if the city or an employee violated a statutory duty or engaged in a blatant safety violation that caused your crash. You or your lawyer will need proof that the city owed you a duty of care, breached this duty, and caused your injuries.
Damages You May Receive
A successful claim against the city for a municipal vehicle accident could pay for all your crash-related damages. These may include past and future medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering. A successful claim will require you to prove that the city was negligent under the circumstances. An attorney can help with this burden of proof, as well as assist with the complicated claims filing process. If you wish to maximize your recovery, work with an attorney.
Contact Us Today
Accidents with municipal vehicles can change your life. You may suffer serious and permanently debilitating personal injuries, such as multiple bone fractures or a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. If you believe a negligent party should be liable for your damages, contact our law firm for a free crash consultation. We can review your case, let you know if it has merit, and help you file a claim against the government in NYC, if applicable. Call (212) 732-9000 today for more information.