Attorney
Injury Lawyers Serving Victims of Public Transit and Metro Bus Accidents the DC Area
Hundreds of residents take public transportation each day. They rely on the city bus, metro rail lines, and more to take them to and from work, school, or even to run their daily errands. When you ride on these means of public transportation, you expect the operators to be safe and the city to ensure that the vehicles can transport you safely from one area to another.
Sadly, accidents do happen. Whether it is a passenger on the metro lines being injured, or if someone is injured in his or her vehicle after being involved in an accident with public transportation, there are options available for receiving compensation.
The Injuries of a Bus Accident
Bus accidents often result in harsher injuries than vehicle accident injuries, because public buses do not have seatbelts, airbags, or other protections in place. While city buses drive at a slow speed – even at 20 miles per hour – you could suffer significant trauma. Due to this obvious lack of protection, it is imperative that you seek compensation through a personal injury attorney to cover the costs of your injuries.
Critical Steps to Take Immediately After a Bus Accident
- Seek Medical Attention – It is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention after your accident. Not only will this prevent any serious injuries from going untreated, but it establishes the fact that you suffered injuries from the crash – giving a defense attorney fewer opportunities to dispute the legitimacy of your injury claim.
- Document Everything – If you can, document everything that happened at the accident scene. This includes the names and contact information of other passengers, the name of the driver, and where the accident occurred. Anything you recall before or after the crash will help your attorney better assess how to move forward with the claim.
Realize Government Insurance is More Complex
Naturally, public transportation offered by the city is monitored and insured. The language of these policies is more comprehensive than your standard automobile insurance policy for a driver. Therefore, you need an attorney who understands the laws and requirements for filing a claim against a government entity.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, the claim might involve the entire pool of victims, or you may be able to file your request individually. Only your attorney can decide which route is allowed after reviewing the government’s policies.
Pooled policies could significantly reduce the amount of compensation that you receive, so it is imperative that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid having your benefits dramatically reduced.
Contact an Attorney Regarding Your Metro Accident
If you were injured on a light rail, commuter rail, or bus that is operated by the city, you might be entitled to compensation. Speak with a personal injury advocate from Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP now. You can reach us at one of our three office locations or speak with a representative online.