On June 10, 2010 philly.com reported that a teen was hit by a police car in West Philadelphia. According to the article, the accident occurred at 9:30 p.m. near 60th Street and Washington Avenue and the boy was transported to CHOP for treatment.

In a situation like this, the natural question is whether the officer was negligent in causing the accident. If the officer was negligent, then the City of Philadelphia may be liable for the accident.

Pennsylvania's Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act generally states that local agencies, like the City can never be held liable for accidents. However, there are some exceptions. One exception allows liability for car, bus/transit or pedestrian accidents.

Because, however, the case involves the City/local agency, there are multiple requirements for injured victims. The most important one is that they notify the government within 6 months of their accident.

My article, In Pennsylvania is the Government Immune from Liability for Car Accidents? explains the law and notice requirement in more detail.