If you have suffered injuries in an accident involving a city bus or train, you might be able to recover your damages through a personal injury claim.
What Kinds of Damages Might Result From an Accident
Accidents involving public transportation can be serious and cause life-altering injuries. You could be injured as a passenger on a train that derailed or on a bus that crashed, as a pedestrian hit by a city bus, or as a driver of a vehicle struck by a city bus.
You should report the accident to the proper authorities right away, so an accident report can be completed. Take photos of the accident scene with your smartphone if possible. Seek immediate medical attention and be sure medical care is established.
Maintain documentation to support your claim, such as medical bills, prescription receipts, proof of missed work and lost wages, and medical records.
Here are some of the most common damages caused by such an accident.
- Medical expenses – past and future
- Lost wages – past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Property damages
- Mental trauma
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Long-term or permanent disabilities
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
Pursuing a personal injury claim against the city is not like pursuing a personal injury claim against an individual.
Government entities have sovereign immunity to protect them, but the some Tort Claims Acts enacted in certain states allows personal injury claims when the damages are caused by the gross negligence of a government employee.
You must file the notice of claim with the public transportation system and the city within a timely manner and you must provide supporting documentation. Your claim will be reviewed. If it is denied or not satisfactorily settled, you can then pursue a lawsuit to recoup damages.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered injuries in an accident, consult with a personal injury attorney. You need a licensed accident injury lawyer who handles such claims and who is familiar with local and state laws.
Pursuing a claim against a government entity is complicated, so you need to make sure you have someone to aggressively pursue your claim and protect your rights. Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing at all to lose.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today, so you can make sure you get your personal injury claim on the right track before time runs out!
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 the DART, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
