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If you were hit by a city bus, police cruiser, fire truck, USPS mail truck, ambulance, sanitation vehicle, or any other government-operated vehicle in Orange County, you face a completely different legal framework than a typical car accident — with strict 6-month deadlines that can permanently bar your claim. Government claims are governed by California Government Code §§810-996 and the Tort Claims Act. You have only 6 months to file an administrative claim under §911.2, then 2 years under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Settlements range from $50,000 for moderate injuries to $25,000,000+ for catastrophic and fatal cases against deep-pocket government defendants. Call Sky Law Group 24/7 at (844) 475-9529. Hablamos Español. Common Government Vehicles That Cause Crashes in Orange County OCTA buses — Public transit; see our bus accident guide City police cruisers — OC Sheriff, Anaheim PD, Santa Ana PD, Irvine PD, etc. California Highway Patrol vehicles Fire department vehicles — OCFA fire trucks, paramedic units Ambulances — Some private, some government-operated USPS mail trucks — Federal Tort Claims Act applies (different from state) School district vehicles — School buses, district staff vehicles Caltrans maintenance trucks City sanitation / garbage trucks — Republic Services contracts varies; some are city-operated Utility company vehicles — Some public (water, power) some private County vehicles — Social services, public works, animal control Federal vehicles — FBI, ATF, DEA, military (under FTCA) The 6-Month Trap: Government Claim Deadlines The single most important fact about government vehicle cases is the 6-month deadline under […]