Norfolk Trash Truck Hits Woman's Parked Car, City Won't Pay For Repairs

Being a single mom is no easy feat. From juggling work, parenting, and household responsibilities, there's never a dull moment. And just when you think you've got it all under control, life throws you a curveball. In the case of Lena Grant, that curveball came in the form of a city trash truck crashing into her car.

The Day the Trash Truck Struck

It was just another Wednesday for Lena Grant, or so she thought. Her car was parked outside her house, as it had been countless times before. Little did she know that this day would be different. As she recounts the story, a neighbor came running towards her, breathless and wide-eyed. The sight that awaited Lena was the stuff of nightmares – a city trash truck had careened into her vehicle and was now stuck, causing significant damage.

From Hope to Disappointment

Naturally, Lena expected the city to take responsibility for the repair costs. After all, it was their truck that caused the damage. The driver promptly apologized, assuring her that the city's insurance would cover the necessary repairs. Lena filed a police report and reached out to her city for further assistance.

Weeks turned into months, and still, there was no response from the city. Frustration crept in as Lena's pleas for help fell on deaf ears. Finally, a third-party adjuster was sent to assess the damage, offering a glimmer of hope. But that hope quickly turned into disappointment when Lena received a letter stating that the city claimed sovereign immunity and would not be liable for the repairs.

Sovereign Immunity: A Bitter Pill to Swallow

Many people, like Lena, may not be aware of the concept of sovereign immunity. It essentially means that you cannot sue the government for damages caused while performing core functions. In this case, picking up trash fell within the city's core function. Therefore, they could not be held legally responsible for the damage caused to Lena's car.

Attorney Tim Anderson, who has dealt with similar cases, sheds light on this issue. He explains that self-insurance is common for government entities, as traditional insurance companies do not cover damages caused by them. By invoking sovereign immunity, cities protect themselves from being sued for negligence. Unfortunately, it is the taxpayers who bear the burden of such claims.

The Tough Choice: To Repair or Sell

For Lena, the situation is dire. As a single mom, she relies on her car for everyday tasks, and her teenage daughter was meant to inherit it. However, if she were to repair her car now, her insurance premiums would double. This makes her question whether it's worth holding onto the car at all. The city's refusal to accept liability has left her feeling disillusioned and frustrated.

Exploring Legal Options

Lena is now considering hiring an attorney to explore her options further. The only exception to sovereign immunity is if one can prove gross negligence on the part of the city. While it may be an uphill battle, Lena is determined to seek justice and hold the city accountable for the damages.

Lessons Learned: Raising Awareness of Sovereign Immunity

Lena's experience sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of government responsibility – sovereign immunity. Many people are unaware of the limitations in pursuing damages caused by government entities performing their core functions. Raising awareness about this issue can empower individuals to make informed decisions and lobby for changes in legislation.

Conclusion

Lena Grant's ordeal with the city's trash truck highlights the challenges faced by single mothers and the complexities of dealing with sovereign immunity. The road ahead may be difficult, both personally and legally, but Lena's determination to seek justice serves as an inspiration. Hopefully, her story will ignite discussions and bring about positive changes that protect citizens who find themselves in similar predicaments.