Government Negligence in a Pennsylvania Traffic Accident
Suffering a Traffic Accident Because of Government Negligence
When you have suffered an injury in a traffic accident caused by government negligence, you may be able to recover compensation by filing a claim with the agency responsible for maintaining the road where the collision occurred. In Pennsylvania, this agency is likely the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The process for filing a claim may vary depending on the circumstances of the accident but generally involves submitting a notice of claim that describes the crash and the damages you suffered. It’s important to note that there may be strict deadlines for filing a claim, so it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
If you are not able to reach a satisfactory resolution through the claims process for your personal injury case, you may need to file a lawsuit against the government agency. Keep in mind that there are additional requirements and limitations for suing the government that do not apply to other types of lawsuits, such as shorter deadlines for filing a claim and limits on the damages you can recover. In Pennsylvania, the deadline for filing a claim against a government entity is six months. It’s important to work with an attorney who has experience with government liability cases to navigate these complexities.
Dangerous Conditions Must Have Continued Without Repairs
It’s worth noting that proving government negligence in a traffic accident can be challenging. In general, governments are granted a certain degree of immunity from liability for accidents on their roads, and they are only liable if they had actual notice of the dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it. If the government agency can show that they conducted regular inspections and maintenance on the road, they may not be liable even if a hazardous condition caused the accident.
How a Lawyer Helps
A law firm works for its injured client by collecting the evidence needed to support their claim for compensation following a car accident caused by a government entity. The attorney can negotiate on your behalf with the government entity to help you recover fair compensation to cover the cost of your injuries and lost wages.
While the vast majority of auto accidents, slip and fall and other injury claims are settled with an insurance company, a small minority aren’t. If you believe that government negligence contributed to your accident, it’s best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania who can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of pursuing compensation.
The Travis Law Firm
When you need advice about whether you can file an injury claim following an auto or other accident caused by a dangerous roadway, obscured intersection or other governmental negligence, The Travis Law Firm is here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. You can focus on recovering from your injuries while we fight for your rights. We can review your case for free by calling (814) 277-2222. Alternatively, you can contact us online.