Office of the Staff Judge Advocate Site

How To File A Claim For A Car Accident Involving A Government Vehicle

A CLAIM MUST BE FILED WITHIN TWO (2) YEARS

Q: How will I know if I was involved in a car accident with a government vehicle?

A: The most common government vehicles on Fort Benning are tactical vehicles, Army shuttle buses, and military police vehicles. However, other government vehicles include those that resemble personally owned vehicles. To distinguish a government vehicle, look at the licenese plate. If it is a government vehicle, the plate will state: U.S. Government—For Offical Use Only.

Q: What should I do if I get in an accident with a governement vehicle?

STEP 1: Call the Military Police and record information.

If you are off-post, call the local police to come to the scene of the accident. The police will be able to write out a report that can assist you later when you file a claim.

If possible, take high quality photographs of any damage to the cars and the surrounding area, and record the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

STEP 2: Contact your private insurance company.

Next, contact your auto insurance provider and file a claim. Take note if your policy provides full coverage and if a deductible is required. The claims division will consider the deductible amount when determining a settlement.

STEP 3: Contact your local JAG office.

You will be instructed to fill out a Standard Form 95. The form and its instructions are provided here.

Once your claim is filed, the claims division will conduct an investigation and determine if the government driver was operating the vehicle within his or her scope of employment, and negligently caused the accident.

After conducting an investigation the claims division will then consider offering you a settlement.

For further information on this subject or for any questions regarding claims contact the Fort Benning Claims Office at 706-545-3711.