If you have been involved in an accident with public transit and you think it was caused by an employee’s negligence, you might be able to recoup compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim.
What Kinds of Damages Might Result From an Accident with Public Transit?
You can suffer damages from various accidents. You might be a passenger on a city bus that is involved in a serious crash. You could be injured as passenger during a slip and fall.
You might be a pedestrian hit by a bus or in a vehicle that is involved in a crash with a bus. Any of these accidents could cause life-altering injuries. You should always report any accident to the proper authorities and make sure an accident report is completed.
Establish medical care right away and maintain documentation to support your claim, such as medical bills, prescription receipts, proof of missed work and lost wages.
Here are just a few of the more common damages suffered in such accidents.
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Property damages
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Disabilities
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim Against Public Transit
You can pursue a personal injury claim against public transit, but it is not the same as a personal injury claim against an individual.
Government entities are protected by sovereign immunity, but the Tort Claims Act allows personal injury claims against government entities when the claims are because of damages caused by the gross negligence of a government employee.
To pursue a claim, you will have to file a Claim for Damages Form to the Department of Risk Management. You will need to provide supporting documentation and complete and sign the Medical Release form. There is a two-year statute of limitations for pursuing such a claim.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If an accident with public transit has left you with damages, you should consult with a personal injury attorney who is licensed in the relevant state.
You need an attorney in the area who is familiar with both state and local law since such claims are complicated. Because accident injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, you have nothing to lose.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today, so you can have your claim details reviewed by a lawyer who handles such claims in your area.
Additional Resources
- Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer in Spokane, Washington
- 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 Spokane Transit Authority, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
