What Happens If a City-Owned Vehicle Hits You in a Tempe Parking Lot?

Most car accidents in Tempe involve everyday drivers—commuters, delivery vehicles, or rideshare drivers. But what happens when the vehicle that hits you belongs to the City of Tempe? It’s not an uncommon scenario. From sanitation trucks to city employee sedans, government-operated vehicles are everywhere—including in parking lots.

If you were hit by a city-owned vehicle while parked at Tempe Marketplace, pulling out of a downtown garage, or navigating a public facility lot, your case will not follow the usual rules of a standard insurance claim. There are unique legal steps you need to take—and a tight deadline that could determine whether you ever see compensation.

At Tempe Car Accident Attorney, our team understands how these government-related collisions unfold. Here's a breakdown of what makes these cases different, and what you need to do if a city vehicle causes damage or injury in a Tempe parking lot.

Why Government Vehicle Accidents Are Treated Differently

When you're hit by a private driver, you typically file a claim with that person’s insurance company. You have up to two years in Arizona to file a lawsuit if needed.

But if the vehicle is owned and operated by a government entity, like the City of Tempe, you are required to follow Arizona’s Notice of Claim process, governed by A.R.S. § 12-821.01. This law imposes strict rules on how and when you can pursue a claim against a public agency or its employee.

If you miss any of these steps—or file late—your claim can be permanently barred.

What Types of City Vehicles Could Be Involved?

City-owned vehicles are used by dozens of departments across Tempe. Some common examples include:

• Waste management and sanitation trucks

• Public works and street maintenance vehicles

• City code enforcement cars

• Utility inspection vans

• Parks and Recreation trucks

• Police and administrative sedans

Whether you’re in Downtown Tempe or a neighborhood like Escalante, city fleet vehicles are frequently found in public and private parking lots—especially near city buildings, parks, or schools.

Common Parking Lot Scenarios Involving City Vehicles

Accidents involving city vehicles in parking lots may not look like high-speed collisions, but they can still cause serious injuries or costly property damage. Some common situations include:

• A city truck backing into your vehicle while loading supplies

• A parking enforcement car striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk

• A sanitation truck scraping your parked car while collecting garbage

• A public works vehicle failing to yield at a lot intersection

These crashes often happen at lower speeds but can still lead to concussions, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries—especially for pedestrians or those exiting their vehicle.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If a City Vehicle Hits You

1. Call the Police
   Even if the crash seems minor, call law enforcement. A police report will be essential in proving what happened, especially if the city later denies responsibility.

2. Document the Scene
   Take photos of the vehicle, license plate, city department markings, and any damage or injuries. Get the employee's name, if possible.

3. Seek Medical Attention
   If you were hurt, see a doctor immediately. Medical records will serve as proof of your injuries if you file a claim.

4. File a Notice of Claim
   Arizona law requires you to submit a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the crash. This notice must include:

   • A factual description of what happened

   • The nature and extent of your injuries or property damage

   • A specific amount of money you're seeking

   • Supporting documentation (photos, bills, reports)

   If you're unsure how this works, see our article on filing a claim against the city.

Who’s Liable—The Driver or the City?

If the driver was operating the city vehicle in the course of their employment, the City of Tempe is typically liable under the legal principle of respondeat superior. That means the city is responsible for the actions of its employees while they’re doing their job.

However, if the driver was using the vehicle for personal reasons or violating city policy, they may be personally liable. This can create complications, especially if the city disputes whether the employee was acting within their duties at the time.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If your claim is accepted—or if your lawsuit against the city is successful—you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Property damage to your vehicle

• Medical bills and treatment

• Lost wages from time off work

• Pain and suffering

• Future medical care if you suffered long-term injuries

In cases involving permanent injuries—such as paralysis or lasting disability—the value of your claim can be significantly higher, and the evidence required will be more substantial.

Parking Lot Fault Still Matters

Even though city vehicles are held to a high standard, fault still plays a role in determining liability. If you were parked illegally, pulled out without looking, or blocked a designated city path, your damages may be reduced.

These fault arguments are similar to those seen in Tempe rear-end collision cases or distracted driving accidents, where partial fault can limit how much compensation you recover.

What If You Were on Foot?

Pedestrians struck by city vehicles in a parking lot—especially while crossing near city buildings or libraries—may suffer severe injuries. These cases often involve:

• Delayed diagnoses of head injuries

• Unseen TBI symptoms that appear days later

• Long-term pain and mobility issues

Because pedestrians are especially vulnerable, city employees are expected to be even more cautious around public facilities, and failure to yield can strengthen your case.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hit by a City of Tempe vehicle in a parking lot, your situation won’t follow the normal path of an auto insurance claim. Instead, you’ll need to act quickly, document everything, and file a formal notice with the city within just 180 days of the incident.

For more on how these types of claims are handled, explore our legal resources or learn about public employee crash liability. Parking lots may seem low risk—but when a government vehicle is involved, the legal terrain gets more complex than you’d expect.