If you were injured in an accident with public transit and you believe that they are liable for your damages, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the service.
What Kinds of Damages Might be Suffered in an Accident?
An accident with a city train or bus, either as a passenger on a city vehicle or a pedestrian or occupant of another vehicle hit by a city vehicle, you might suffer life-altering injuries.
A variety of damages might occur. You should always notify the proper authorities, so an accident report can be completed. You will then need to get medical care right away.
Maintain documentation to support your claim, such as medical bills, medical records, proof of missed work and lost wages, and estimates for repairing damages. Here are a few of the more common damages suffered in such accidents:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Disabilities
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
Pursuing a claim against public transit is not the same as pursuing a personal injury claim against an individual. Often, public transit is a government entity, so special protocol must be followed.
The claim must be brought against the city within six months of the accident, with some state laws allowing just a few exceptions. You will need to serve them with a notice of claim right away, so they will know you plan to file a claim.
You will need to provide supporting documentation, which will indicate your name and contact details, when the accident took place, the damages and injuries you suffered, and why you think they are responsible. Also, you will need to provide documentation that shows financial losses and indicate how much you want as settlement. If the claim isn’t satisfactorily resolved, you can file a lawsuit.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in an accident, consult with a personal injury attorney. Working on a contingency basis, your lawyer won’t be paid until you are compensated. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, so an attorney in your area can review the details of your case and determine the best way to proceed.
*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 , Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
