If you have suffered injuries in an accident with public transit and believe that an employee’s negligence was the cause, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim.
What Kinds of Damages Might Be Suffered in an Accident?
Life-altering injuries could result from an accident with a city bus or train. Regardless of whether you were a passenger on the bus or a pedestrian or occupant of another vehicle that collided with a city vehicle, you have suffered damages.
Always report any accident to the proper authorities and make sure an accident report is completed. Seek medical treatment right away. It is important to ensure you establish care.
Maintain thorough documentation to support your claim, such as medical bills, proof of missed work and lost wages, medical records, and damage repair estimates. Get photos of damages and injuries.
Here are some common damages claimed after 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
If you have been in an accident with a city vehicle, you can pursue a personal injury claim. But, pursuing a claim against the city is not the same as pursuing a claim against an individual.
Often, public transit is a government agency, so they are protected by sovereign immunity. To file a claim, specific guidelines and set protocol must be followed. You will need to file a notice of claim with the agency to warn them of your intent.
You must provide specific details, such as how you were injured, the extent of your injuries, why you think they are liable, and how much compensation you request. You will need to provide supporting documentation.
If your claim is denied, or if a satisfactory settlement isn’t reached, you can file an accident injury lawsuit.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
Because personal injury claims against such agencies are complicated, you should consult with a personal injury attorney if you have been injured in an accident. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to have your case reviewed by a personal injury lawyer today.
Additional Resources
- Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against the City of Santa Ana, CA*
- Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Claim
*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 OCTA, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
