If you were injured in an accident with a city vehicle, you might be able to pursue a personal claim against the city to recoup compensation for damages.
What Kinds of Damages May Result in an Accident
An accident with the transit authority could result in a variety of damages. Sometimes serious injuries that have life-altering affects are suffered. You should notify the proper authorities to make sure an accident report is filed.
Seek medical care as soon as possible after the accident to make sure you recover from injuries. Failure to get care right away could affect your ability to recoup compensation through a personal injury claim.
Maintain documentation to support your claim, including proof of missed work and lost wages, medical bills, medical records, and repair estimates. Here are some common damages that might be suffered in an accident:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Long-term disabilities
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
Pursuing a claim against a government entity is not as simple as pursuing a personal injury claim against an individual. Metro is self-insured, so any claims are paid out of its own funds. There are many kinds of accidents involving bus lines or train tracks, such as derailments or bus crashes.
You must file a Notice of Claim within 6 months of the injury. The proper paperwork must be completed, and you need to include documentation to support your claim. If your claim is denied or you don’t get a response within 60 days, you can take legal action to recoup compensation for your losses.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in an accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney who handles such claims. Filing a claim against a government agency is challenging, and you want to make sure you have your claim in order.
Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today to get your claim on the right track.
*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 Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
