According to a report from Fox 4 Kansas City, two people were hurt in a crash involving a Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) truck on Interstate-29 (I-29 In Kansas City. The collision reportedly occurred while the vehicle was attempting to make a lane change. Thankfully, the injuries were not reported to be life-threatening.
Automobile accident claims are complicated—especially so when a government vehicle is involved. There are some specialized rules and regulations. In this article, our Kansas City motor vehicle accident lawyer highlights several key factors that you should know about your rights and your options if you were hurt in a crash with a government vehicle in Missouri.
The Challenge: The State and State Agencies Have Sovereign Immunity
Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that essentially means the government cannot be sued without its consent. In the context of accidents involving government vehicles in Missouri, this could prove to be a significant hurdle for victims seeking justice.
The Solution: Missouri Torts Claims Act Allows Injured Victims to Bring a Claim
Thankfully, the state of Missouri recognizes that this doctrine can unfairly shield negligent government employees. The Missouri Torts Claims Act provides a remedy to this problem. The Act waives the sovereign immunity of the state in specific situations, one of which includes motor vehicle accidents involving government vehicles. The legislation gives individuals the right to bring a claim against the government and its employees for damages arising out of negligence. In effect, the law removes the barrier that sovereign immunity may otherwise pose.
Liability for a Crash is Still Based on Fault (Negligence)
Despite the complexities involved in accidents with government vehicles, the principle of fault remains at the core of the legal process. In Missouri, liability for a crash is still determined by negligence. For a victim to receive compensation, they must prove that the driver of the government vehicle acted negligently and that this negligence was the cause of the accident.
Injured Victims Have a Right to Pursue Full and Fair Financial Compensation
Victims of accidents involving government vehicles in Missouri should take comfort in the fact that they retain the right to pursue full and fair financial compensation. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on the government to look out for your best interests. Depending on the nature of the accident, you or your family member may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Automobile repairs;
- Emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills and other health costs;
- Lost wages and loss of earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Disability/disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
Set Up a Free Consultation With a Top Kansas City Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City auto accident attorney is a passionate advocate for victims and families. If you or your family member was hurt in a crash with a government vehicle, we are more than ready to help. Contact our personal injury team today for a free case review. From our law office in Kansas City, we fight for the rights of injured victims throughout Missouri.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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