If you are unlucky enough to be run down or hit by a city bus and survive your injuries you have the option of filing a personal injury claim against the city for just compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you with your claim.
How an Accident Could Happen with a City Bus
Most accidents happen when a city bus is driven badly or has component failure. Pedestrians and bicyclists are most at risk, especially if a bus driver fails to stop at a cross-walk or careers onto the sidewalk out of control.
Other vehicles are not immune from a city bus accident. Not every bus driver is considerate to other road users and may intimidate them because of the bus’s superior size. Many vehicles are hit at an intersection when a bus driver fails to yield the right of way.
Damages You Could Claim
If you are involved in a bus or rail accident, you and any companions may be injured and will be seeking compensation for medical treatment as well as property damage and lost wages or other earnings. Non-economic damages may also be claimed. These are to compensate for the pain and suffering of the injuries.
A personal injury lawyer can help you make a valid claim based on past cases. In a few cases, gross negligence by either the bus driver may justify claiming for punitive damages.
How to Make a Personal Injury Claim
Any claim against a government entity must involve a preliminary ante litem claim, basically a prior notice to the city that you intend filing a personal injury claim.
You have 6 months from the date of the injury to file the initial notice.
In many such cases, the initial claim is rejected, but this allows you to proceed with a personal injury claim through the civil court system.
Any claim made against the offending party must be accompanied by evidence that the bus driver or the organization itself was negligent and that the negligence caused your injury and any property damage.
Typical evidence includes eye witness statements, a police report, and a damage report for your vehicle if you were driving and any photographic evidence.
Why You Should Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer
It is never easy wining a claim against any government entity, not least because of the statute of limitations being so short. You are strongly advised to use a personal injury lawyer to help you through the somewhat grueling claims procedure.
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 MARTA, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
