Accidents Involving Municipalities
Navigating Liability and Compensation in Municipal Accidents
Understanding Municipal Liability and Accidents in New York City and Long Island
New York City and Long Island are home to numerous municipal agencies and services, including but not limited to sanitation, police, fire, education departments, school districts, and transportation services, such as MTA and LIRR. Although these organizations play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth functioning of our cities and towns, accidents involving municipalities can occur, resulting in severe injuries and even fatalities.
Municipal liability refers to the legal responsibility that municipalities hold for the actions of their employees and agents. In other words, if a municipal employee causes an accident while performing their job duties, the municipality may be held accountable for any resulting damages.
Examples of accidents involving municipalities
can include:
- Collisions with municipal vehicles, such as buses or garbage trucks
- Slip/trip and fall accidents on municipal property, such as train stations, sidewalks, roadways or public parks
- Accidents caused by defective or poorly maintained municipal equipment, such as streetlights or fire hydrants
What to Do if You've Been in an Accident with a Municipal Vehicle or on Municipal Property
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a municipal vehicle or on municipal property, it’s important to take the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should always be your top priority. Even if you don't feel like you've been seriously injured, it's still a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
Report the Accident
If the accident occurred on municipal property or involved a municipal vehicle, be sure to report it to the appropriate agency as soon as possible. This will create an official record of the incident and can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you've sustained. This can serve as valuable evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.
Document the Scene
Municipal liability cases can be complex, so it's important to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Understanding the Importance of Filing a Notice of Claim for Municipal Accidents
Protecting Your Rights and Pursuing Compensation for Municipal Accidents in New York City and Long Island
If you have been involved in an accident with a municipal vehicle or on municipal property, it is crucial to follow the appropriate steps to pursue a claim against the municipality. This includes filing a Notice of Claim with the relevant municipal agency within 90 days of the accident. Failure to do so may result in losing out on any award of damages you may be entitled to.
A valid Notice of Claim must contain specific information, including the nature of the claim, the time, place, and manner in which the accident occurred, and the items of damage or injuries sustained.
While it is not mandatory, seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney is highly recommended in connection with a proposed Notice of Claim. A knowledgeable attorney can help you identify potentially liable parties, determine the claims subject to notice of claim requirements, and draft a legally sufficient notice with all the necessary information.
In addition, the statute of limitations for starting a lawsuit against a government agency or municipality is one year and ninety days from the date of the accident, provided that the Notice of Claim was filed timely.
Accidents involving municipalities can be overwhelming and stressful, but with the right legal guidance, you can safeguard your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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