If you get hurt in a public transit accident, you could be owed compensation. A crash like this can result in a more complicated personal injury case than the typical car accident would though. This is because there are special rules about suing a public entity, but you don’t have to try and navigate this process on your own. A Prince George’s County bus accident lawyer from our firm can help you go through the proper procedures and sue for damages.
What Should I Do Right After a Public Transit Accident?
You need to protect yourself and start building a potential case right away. You should:
- Take pictures of the accident scene and damaged vehicles
- Get contact and insurance info from all drivers involved
- Get contact info for witnesses
- Call the police and have a report made
- See a doctor as soon as possible
Can I Sue After a Public Transit Accident?
Normally, there is a statute of limitations that starts ticking down as soon as an accident occurs. It gives a victim a limited amount of time to make a claim and sue for damages. In Maryland, this time limit for personal injury cases is normally three years. If you’re suing another driver or party involved in the accident, you have that long to pursue damages.
However, if you believe that the public transit driver or company was somehow to blame for the accident and your injuries, you do not have three years to file your case. You have one year, and you must first send a “notice of claim” to the potential defendant before you can file a lawsuit. Our lawyers can help you ensure that your notice of claim contains all of the relevant information and we can help you prepare for the government’s response.
Will I Have to Go to Trial?
Whether you sue another driver, the public transit company, or both, you’re unlikely to go to trial. This is because many cases like this settle before they get to that point. Litigation can be expensive and time-consuming, so if we can reach a fair settlement before going to trial we’ll help you with that.
If you do end up having to go to trial, don’t worry. We can build a case that can succeed in court too. We’re always ready to help our clients fight for fair compensation.
What Kinds of Compensation Should I Receive After a Public Transit Accident?
You could be looking at a lot of expenses after a public transit accident, so don’t just accept the insurer’s first offer. We can help you sue for damages that make up for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain and suffering
Schedule Your Case Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a public transit accident, let us help you pursue the compensation that you deserve. Contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. to schedule a consultation with our team. We want to learn more about your case, and then we’ll tell you how we can help.
