Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog
If a government-operated vehicle hit you in Washington, D.C., you may wonder whether you have any legal rights. A recent decision by the D.C. Court of Appeals confirms that city employees are not automatically protected from liability. When no emergency exists and the driver acts carelessly, you can still file a personal injury claim.
This ruling gives injury victims a more straightforward path forward when they are harmed by city vehicles. It also highlights the need to act quickly and understand the legal process that applies when a government employee causes harm.
Court Affirms Accountability for City Vehicle Collisions
The case involved a crash at an intersection where a marked police vehicle collided with a personal car carrying multiple passengers. The officer claimed he was on his way to check on a report, but he had not received a formal emergency dispatch. The vehicle was not using lights or sirens. The city argued that the officer was acting in an official emergency role and tried to have the lawsuit dismissed.
The D.C. Court of Appeals rejected that effort. The court held that a jury should decide whether the driver was responding to an actual emergency or simply operating a city vehicle during routine work. If no emergency existed, the officer owed the same duty of care as any other driver on the road. The court explained that immunity for city employees does not extend to every situation involving official duties. When someone causes harm during non-emergency driving, the injured person may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries.
This decision enables the injury claim to proceed and paves the way for others in similar situations to do the same.
What Are Your Rights After a Crash Involving a Government Employee?
Drivers of government-owned vehicles, including police cars, garbage trucks, and utility vehicles, are expected to follow traffic laws unless they are responding to emergencies. Even then, they must operate safely and avoid putting others at risk. If someone is hurt because a city employee failed to stop, yield, or maintain control, that victim can seek damages through a formal claim.
To bring a case against the District of Columbia, you must first file a notice within a short time frame. This step allows the city to review the claim before a lawsuit can be initiated. Waiting too long to act may result in the loss of your ability to recover any compensation.
Once your notice is filed, your attorney can begin gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any surveillance or body cam footage that may support your version of events. City agencies may attempt to downplay the incident or shift the blame. A thorough legal review can make sure your side is fully documented.
How This Ruling Affects Injury Victims in Washington, D.C.
This case demonstrates that holding an official role does not exempt someone from accountability when their actions result in avoidable harm. A city employee driving during regular patrol is expected to follow traffic signals, check blind spots, and avoid collisions just like anyone else. The law does not give government drivers a free pass when no emergency exists.
The court’s decision makes it clear that immunity does not apply when facts are in dispute. If the driver acted without urgency or failed to follow basic safety standards, then the injured person deserves a chance to present their case in court. This creates a fairer process for victims who were previously told they had no legal options.
Take the Right Steps After a Crash Involving a Government Vehicle
If you were struck by a city-owned vehicle in D.C., act quickly to protect your claim. Begin by seeking medical attention and ensuring that the incident is properly documented. Request a copy of the police report and save any photographs, videos, or contact information you collected at the scene.
You should then speak with a personal injury lawyer who understands how to pursue claims against the District. The rules in these cases differ from those in standard car accident lawsuits. Missing a filing deadline or failing to give proper notice can end your case before it starts.
Even if the city tells you the driver was working in an official capacity, that does not mean you have no legal recourse. Each case must be evaluated based on what happened, not just what the city claims.
Call Lebowitz & Mzhen If You Were Injured In D.C.
If you were hurt in a collision involving a city-operated vehicle, you may have a valid claim. Government drivers must follow the law unless they are actively handling an emergency. When that is not the case, you have every right to demand compensation for your injuries, lost income, and pain.
Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers helps victims of D.C. traffic crashes, including those caused by negligent city employees. The firm handles every step of the process, from notice filing to litigation, and fights to hold the government accountable when someone is wrongfully injured. To speak with someone about your situation, call 800-654-1949 today for a free consultation. You can also contact the firm online to schedule an appointment. The sooner you act, the sooner you can begin moving forward with your recovery.