Accidents involving city buses, county trucks, or state vehicles are more common than most people realize. Whether it’s a road maintenance truck, police car, or city bus, these vehicles share the same roads as the rest of us in Sioux Falls. But when one of them causes an accident, the legal process for pursuing compensation is more complex than a typical personal injury claim.
At Northern Plains Justice, our Sioux Falls personal injury lawyers help victims navigate these unique cases. If you’ve been injured, call us today at 605-306-4100 for a free consultation.
Why Government Vehicle Accidents Are Different
When a private driver causes an accident, you typically file a claim against their insurance. But if a government employee driving a city, county, or state vehicle is responsible, different rules apply.
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Sovereign Immunity: Historically, governments were immune from lawsuits. Today, South Dakota law allows victims to bring claims, but with strict limitations.
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Shorter Deadlines: Instead of the normal personal injury statute of limitations, claims against government entities often require notice within months of the accident.
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Special Procedures: You may need to file a “notice of claim” before suing, and failure to follow exact steps can mean losing your right to recover damages.
Examples of Government Vehicle Accidents
In Sioux Falls and across South Dakota, we’ve seen cases involving:
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City buses colliding with cars or injuring pedestrians
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Road maintenance or snowplow accidents during winter storms
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Police cars or emergency vehicles involved in crashes while on duty
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Utility trucks blocking lanes or operating unsafely
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County construction vehicles causing roadway hazards
Each case raises unique liability questions: Was the driver negligent? Were they responding to an emergency? Did poor training or vehicle maintenance contribute?
Steps to Take After an Accident with a Government Vehicle
If you’ve been involved in one of these accidents, it’s critical to act quickly:
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Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries.
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Document the scene — take photos of vehicles, license plates, and any road hazards.
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Get the driver’s information and note the government agency they work for.
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Obtain the police report, which is essential in proving liability.
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Contact an experienced Sioux Falls injury lawyer right away to preserve your right to file a claim.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims injured in government vehicle accidents may be eligible to recover:
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Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehab, future care)
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Disability or disfigurement
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Property damage
The exact compensation depends on the facts of the case and the specific government immunity rules that apply.
Why You Need a Sioux Falls Injury Lawyer
Claims against government entities are highly technical. Missing a filing deadline or failing to give proper notice can cost you your entire case. That’s why working with an experienced law firm like Northern Plains Justice is so important.
Our attorneys know how to:
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Investigate government liability
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Gather evidence from public entities
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File the correct legal notices within required time limits
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Fight back against government attorneys who defend these cases aggressively
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Call Northern Plains Justice Today
If you were injured in an accident caused by a city, county, or state vehicle, don’t wait. The rules are different, and the deadlines are short. Our Sioux Falls injury lawyers are ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call 605-306-4100 now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
