Last Updated: 9/21/2023
A city truck accident claim is mainly different from a regular truck accident claim because it involves the government, which is why your claim should be filed in City Hall instead of through an insurance company.
The process of filing a suit against a government entity isn’t handled the same way and can be more problematic, which is why victims in Iowa should speak with a personal injury lawyer in Des Moines to ensure their rights.
Filing a City Truck Accident Claim
City trucks can include:
- fire engines;
- buses;
- utility vehicles; and
- garbage trucks.
When you have been injured in an accident with a government vehicle in Des Moines, you can fill out an Automobile Claim Form and submit it to the Legal Department at City Hall.
The form asks for general information about:
- your car;
- any injuries;
- witnesses to the accident; and
- a description of the accident.
You will attach any relevant documents or other evidence to the form when submitting it; therefore, make sure you take pictures of any injuries sustained, damages to your vehicle, and any other pertinent physical evidence. It also requires two different estimates for the damages that are claimed for any property damage stemming from the automobile accident.
If the claim is denied by the city, then you may choose to pursue a lawsuit to recover damages, with which a personal injury attorney can assist. Contact an attorney for help filing your claim form with the city, too, in order to avoid the risk of leaving out essential information, which in turn can devalue or void your claim altogether.
Seeking Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer in Des Moines
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2010 there were 390 traffic fatalities in Iowa. If you are in an accident and are injured because of the negligence of a city truck driver, contact a lawyer at Walker, Billingsley & Bair at (888) 435-9886. We can review the details of your situation to determine if you have the right to file a city truck accident claim.