If you have suffered injuries in an accident involving public transit, you might be able to recoup compensation for your damages by filing a personal injury claim against the party responsible.
What Kinds of Damages Might Result From an Accident?
Life-altering injuries could result from an accident involving a city bus or train. You could suffer a variety of economic and non-economic damages as well.
Always report any accident and make sure an accident report is completed. Seek medical care as soon as possible after the accident. Failing to establish medical care could reflect negatively on your personal injury claim.
Maintain documentation to support your claim, such as medical bills, medical records, proof of missed work and lost wages, and any written repair estimates.
Here are some common damages suffered in such accidents:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Property damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Long-term or permanent disabilities
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
Pursuing a claim against a government entity is not the same as pursuing a personal injury claim against an individual.
You are required to file a Notice of Claim against the government entity. Failure to do this could invalidate your claim and keep you from recovering damages.
The notice must include the names and contacts details of all involved parties, a detailed description of the accident, extent of the damages and injuries, and the amount sought for damages.
In some situations, the notice must be filed within 30 days of the accident, but other claims have a two-year timeframe for filing. If the claim is denied, or if they fail to respond, you can then file a lawsuit.
What To Do After An Accident With A Public Transportation System
If you have been injured in an accident involving the public transportation system, such as MBTA or any other public transportation system, you should do everything you can to gather supporting evidence and ensure your rights are protected. Here are a few tips for what to do after an accident with MBTA or any other transportation system.
- Report the accident. Make sure you have told someone you were injured. Be sure to document the date and time of the incident as well as who you notified of your injuries.
- Seek medical care. Some injuries are worse than they initially appear, so be sure to seek medical care so there can be a report of the accident as well as the injuries you suffered. Documentation is essential to a successful claim.
- Maintain medical records and medical bills. Keep copies of medical records, work excuses, prescriptions, and so forth so you can show the severity of your injuries as well as the total of your medical expenses. Also, log miles traveled to and from doctor appointments or keep receipts for public transportation costs associated with your medical care.
- Keep other evidence. Maintain a file showing your missed work and lost wages. Also, any other expenses associated with your injuries, such as having to hire a dog walker because you are unable to do that task. These costs can be included in your settlement amount.
- Speak with an accident injury lawyer. A personal injury attorney can help you get your claim underway against MBTA or any other transportation system.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
Filing a claim against a government entity is challenging. It is not the same as pursuing a claim against an individual.
Because they are much more complicated and entail additional work, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. You have nothing to lose because personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have your accident injury claim reviewed by an attorney who is licensed to practice in your state. Don’t wait until it is too late to recoup your damages.
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 MBTA or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
