Federal Government Fleet Truck Accident Claims in DC

Every day in Washington, DC, a wide variety of government-operated trucks and commercial vehicles travel the streets, supporting federal agencies and public services. These include postal trucks, military support vehicles, maintenance fleets, and other trucks operated by federal departments. When one of these government vehicles causes a crash, the process for filing an injury claim is far more complicated than an ordinary auto accident. More about truck accidents here

At Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury – Truck Accident Lawyers , we represent victims of accidents involving federal fleet trucks throughout the DC area. Our team has the experience and legal insight to navigate federal tort law, strict procedural rules, and deadlines. If you were injured in a crash involving a federal government vehicle, please visit us at 1919 M Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036, or call 202-972-3767 to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Federal Fleet Trucks Involved in DC Crashes

Federal government agencies use a broad range of vehicles that can be involved in serious collisions, including:

  • USPS delivery trucks

  • Department of Defense transport vehicles

  • Military contractor trucks

  • Homeland Security fleet vehicles

  • Department of Transportation or GSA utility trucks

  • Park Service or Forest Service vehicles

  • FEMA or other federal emergency response vehicles

Many of these vehicles are larger than the average passenger car and, as such, present a higher risk of causing severe injuries when involved in a collision. Accidents may happen due to driver negligence, poorly maintained vehicles, or violations of traffic laws.

Why These Cases Are More Complicated

Unlike typical auto accidents, personal injury claims involving federal vehicles fall under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This law allows private citizens to sue the federal government for negligence, but only under specific conditions.

Here’s what makes these cases unique:

Sovereign Immunity and FTCA Exceptions
Normally, government agencies are immune from lawsuits (a legal doctrine known as sovereign immunity). The FTCA creates limited exceptions to this rule, allowing claims when a federal employee, acting within the scope of their job, causes harm through negligence. However, if the driver was an independent contractor or not on official duty, your claim may be denied.

Strict Notice Requirements
Before you can file a lawsuit, you must first file an administrative claim with the correct federal agency. This must be done using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) and include specific information about the crash, your injuries, and the damages you seek. This form must be submitted within two years of the date of the accident.

No Lawsuit Without Administrative Denial
You cannot immediately sue the federal government. You must wait for the agency to respond to your administrative claim. If they deny your claim or fail to respond within six months, you then have six months to file a lawsuit in federal court.

These legal hurdles can derail a claim if any step is missed. That’s why working with an experienced legal team is so critical.

Proving Negligence in a Federal Fleet Accident

To win a claim under the FTCA, you must prove the following:

  • The federal driver owed you a duty of care

  • They breached that duty through negligent or reckless driving

  • Their actions caused the accident and your injuries

  • You suffered actual damages as a result (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)

This may require collecting evidence such as:

  • Police reports

  • Vehicle maintenance logs

  • Black box or GPS data

  • Eyewitness statements

  • Surveillance footage

  • Medical records

At Regan Zambri Long, our attorneys know how to secure and preserve this evidence before it disappears.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

If your FTCA claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)

  • Lost income or reduced earning ability

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Property damage

  • Rehabilitation or home modification costs

There are no punitive damages available under the FTCA, but our legal team will help you pursue the maximum amount allowed under the law.

Why Trust Regan Zambri Long with Your Claim?

Our attorneys have decades of experience handling personal injury and government liability cases in Washington, DC. We understand the nuances of the FTCA, federal court procedures, and how to challenge government lawyers effectively. We offer:

  • A proven track record in complex government-related injury claims

  • In-depth knowledge of federal and local DC law

  • Dedicated legal support from start to finish

  • No fees unless we win your case

We take pride in protecting the rights of individuals harmed by the negligence of powerful institutions, including the federal government.

Contact a DC Federal Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a federal government fleet vehicle, don’t delay. Strict deadlines apply, and any error in the claims process can prevent you from getting the justice you deserve. Let the experienced attorneys at Regan Zambri Long help you build a strong claim and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers PLLC
1919 M Street NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
📞 202-972-3767

Call us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to stand up to the federal government and fight for your recovery.