Why City Vehicle Accidents Are Different
If you have been hit by a city bus or involved in a crash with a city vehicle, your case is not like a typical accident claim. The rules are different, the deadlines are shorter, and if you do not act quickly, you can lose your right to compensation. Even if the crash was not your fault, you are facing a unique set of challenges because the party responsible is a government agency.
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My team has handled many of these cases, and they require a completely different strategy than a standard accident claim. Let me walk you through how Florida law works, share a real case, and explain what you need to do right away if this happens to you.
A Real Case Involving a County Bus
One of my clients was a pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk when a county transit bus struck him. The driver was distracted, waving at a coworker as he made a turn. Video from the bus confirmed that the driver was not paying attention. My client suffered serious shoulder injuries that prevented him from cycling, which was an important part of his daily life.
Because this case involved a city employee, we were not just dealing with an insurance company. We were up against a government agency, which meant Florida’s sovereign immunity rules applied. We had to file a formal notice of claim, gather surveillance footage, collect witness statements, and consult with traffic experts. Despite delays and obstacles, we built a strong case and ultimately secured a settlement that allowed our client to return to his normal activities.
Understanding Sovereign Immunity in Florida
Florida law has a concept called sovereign immunity. It protects government agencies like the City of Miami or Miami-Dade County from lawsuits unless specific exceptions apply. You are allowed to bring a claim, but the process is limited and very technical. It is not designed to be easy for injury victims of a city vehicle accident.
Notice of Claim
Unlike a regular accident case, you cannot simply file a lawsuit. In a city vehicle accident, you first must submit a written notice of claim to the correct government agency. The agency then has 180 days to conduct its own investigation before you are allowed to file a lawsuit.
While the law gives you up to three years to send that notice, waiting that long is a mistake. These notices take time to prepare and must be done correctly. If you miss a step, your claim can be dismissed before it ever reaches a courtroom.
Compensation Limits
Florida law also caps the amount of compensation you can recover in an accident involving a city vehicle. Even if your injuries are severe and your medical bills are overwhelming, the maximum recovery is $200,000 per person or $300,000 per incident. The only way this cap can increase is if the state legislature approves it, which rarely happens.
Why City Vehicle Accident Cases Require Immediate Action
Claims against government agencies involve layers of red tape. You will be facing slow-moving departments, legal teams trained to push back, and strict documentation requirements. Cases often get delayed or dismissed simply because the notice of claim was sent to the wrong office or worded incorrectly.
That is why it is critical to work with a lawyer who knows the system. From preserving evidence and coordinating with doctors to making sure every deadline is met, we take a hands-on approach from the very beginning.
Protecting Your Rights After a City Vehicle Crash
If you were hit by a city bus or city-operated vehicle, do not assume it is like any other accident. These cases have unique deadlines, limits, and procedures that can make or break your recovery.
If this happened to you or someone you love, contact us today. We will explain your options clearly, make sure you do not miss a single deadline, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
