How to Handle Car Accidents Involving Government Vehicles in New Jersey?

Posted on: May 22, 2025

Motor vehicle accidents can involve passenger cars and trucks, commercial vehicles, and in some cases, government vehicles. That last category opens up the door to certain challenges for claimants, in addition to potential injuries and property damage. If you were involved in a car accident with a government vehicle, we can answer any questions you may have.

What Are the Categories of Government Vehicles?

These vehicles often look like normal cars, trucks, and vans; others are more obvious. Administrative vehicles, for government workers driving to work and completing other administrative duties, typically look like passenger vehicles but have government plates. State, county, and municipality-owned and operated buses are also considered to be government vehicles.

Armored vehicles, though, are not seen as often; they are used by SWAT teams for high-risk operations. Prisoner transport vehicles move prisoners to work sites, court, or jail. Mobile command center sightings are rare; those are used in emergencies.

What Do I Do After a Crash With a Government-Owned Vehicle?

After your accident, follow the same steps as with any type of motor vehicle collision. Call 911 and seek medical attention for injuries, exchange driver’s license, insurance, and registration information with the other driver. If you do not accept a ride to an ER, follow up with a medical provider as soon as possible, as some injuries do not present immediate symptoms.

Ask the responding officers about obtaining a copy of the police report, and gather evidence from the scene. If possible, snap photos of your injuries, property damage, skid marks, weather conditions, and traffic signs and signals. If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information.

How Do I File a Claim Against a Government-Owned Vehicle?

After notifying your auto insurance provider of the accident, you can file a Notice of Claim through the NJ Treasury Division of Risk Management. This document must be filed within 90 days of the accident and includes detailed information about the incident. Failure to file this notice within 90 days will generally result in forfeiture of your right to pursue compensation.

Once your document is filed, the government entity can take up to six months to investigate. They might deny your claim, offer a settlement, or not respond. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may have the option to file a lawsuit.

Are Government Vehicles Immune to Accident Claims?

Many government entities and employees have sovereign immunity that protects them against lawsuits. That means you cannot sue for actions carried out during their official duties. Still, the NJ Tort Claims Act allows certain exceptions to sovereign immunity:

• The vehicle driver violated traffic laws.
• The vehicle driver was grossly negligent, like being intoxicated.
• The vehicle was involved in a government operation, like transporting prisoners to a work area.
• The Federal Tort Claims Act may govern the process if the other vehicle was federally owned and/or operated.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get?

With successful cases, claimants may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, there might be limits on the amount of compensation, depending on the circumstances.

Skilled Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Have Experience in Cases Involving Government-Owned Vehicles

The legal aftermath of a crash with a government-owned vehicle can be intimidating, frustrating, and confusing without experienced legal guidance. The Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law offer free consultations and can fight to protect your rights. To learn more, call our Freehold, New Jersey, office at 732-308-0200 or submit our online form. We proudly serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.