Reimbursement of Government Driver for Voluntary Payment of Accident Claim

An advance decision was requested regarding payment of a claim for reimbursement of a government driver for a voluntary payment of a claim arising from an accident which he had while operating a government vehicle in the scope of his employment. Although the Federal Tort Claims Act does not specifically authorize reimbursement of government employees for amounts paid from their personal funds in satisfaction of tort claims cognizable by the government, exceptions can be made under unusual circumstances. Since the award would have been made in the amount stated if the claim had been presented and a full release of all claims against the United States has been obtained from the injured party, reimbursement may be authorized.