If you are hit by an out of control city bus or other type of public transportation, you should talk to a personal injury lawyer about claiming compensation. An unexpected injury in Dallas can be a financial nightmare, so fair compensation can help to relieve the burden that an injury can cause.
Possible Accidents with a City Bus or Train
Most accidents involving city vehicle are with buses. The city bus network is quite extensive, but bus drivers don’t always take the care they should when operating on city and suburban routes. Bus drivers are usually the main cause of injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, car and other vehicle drivers.
Because buses tend to be larger and heavier than the object they hit, injuries can be severe. City bus drivers don’t always strictly follow the road rules and may try to speed up unnecessarily when in a rush. Fatigue, drug use, and the illegal use of a cell phone are all leading causes of accidents with city buses.
Damages You Could Claim
Damages sought in a personal injury claim made against the city are divided into two components. Economic damages include compensation for property damage, payment for medical costs and lost earnings. These damages are all quantifiable. It is important to take into account any future bills if injuries are likely to take a long time to treat or if there have been permanent injuries.
Non-economic damages include payment for pain and suffering. There might also be payment for punitive damages if the degree of negligence was severe. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify, but your lawyer can help.
Making a Claim
It can be intimidating making a claim against the city, but it is important to do so if you have been injured as a direct result of a bus driver’s poor driving or negligence on the part of the city administration. You will need proof that the driver was negligent and that this negligence caused the injuries for which you are claiming.
The notice of claim can then be followed by a formal personal injury claim unless the city’s insurer makes an early payment, which is not common.
In addition to proof that negligence caused your injury or injuries, you will need to show how much it has costed you in medical bills, lost earnings and any replacement or repair of property. Note that the Texas state government imposes caps on both economic and non-economic damages.
Why a PI Lawyer’s Help Would be Useful
It is always preferable to get help from a personal injury lawyer when considering making a claim after a city bus or train accident. Claims against any government entity are more difficult than claims against a private individual.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer
The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against DART, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
