Wrecks Involving Public Transportation Vehicles - Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were in an accident involving government-owned public transportation like a bus, train, or subway, you might be able to pursue compensation from the government entity in charge of the system. But, filing a claim for injuries against a public agency usually means dealing with a different set of rules and procedures.

What To Know About Filing a Claim

This process can differ from state to state, and even within cities and local governments, there may be unique steps in the claim procedure. Typically, once you submit your claim, the government agency will have a set amount of time to either approve and fulfill the claim or deny it. This is why you need to speak with Dallas car wreck lawyer Brian Brunson. If your claim is rejected, there is usually a specific period during which you can take legal action against the government body in court. Likewise, if the government agency does not respond to your claim within a certain timeframe, you may have the option to file a lawsuit. In some states, your claim might be reviewed by a state claims commission or a similar group. While there could be ways to challenge an unfavorable decision, resorting to court and initiating a lawsuit may not be possible in these instances.

Holding Parties Responsible for Your Injuries

The reason why there are specific requirements for filing a claim and giving notice is to allow the government agency to investigate the situation and determine the following:

1. Whether the government or one of its employees acted negligently.

2. Whether this negligence directly caused your injury.

Let’s imagine a situation where you are on a public bus and suddenly the bus swerves or stops abruptly, causing you to fall and get hurt. Just because you got injured doesn’t automatically mean that the bus driver was negligent. For example, if a child unexpectedly ran into the street and the bus driver was driving at a reasonable and safe speed, the bus driver might not be considered at fault. However, if witness testimony and phone data show that the bus driver was texting at the time of the incident, then the bus driver is likely to be seen as negligent.

Proving Negligence

Public transportation injury law is based on the idea of negligence, which means that if someone gets hurt while using public transportation, it’s because someone else didn’t take proper care. However, public transportation companies are usually considered “common carriers” in most states. This means that they have a higher responsibility to keep their passengers safe compared to regular people.

Even though the person who got hurt still needs to prove that the public transportation company was negligent in order to win their case, it might be easier to show that a “common carrier” is responsible. This is especially true if the public transportation agency broke a safety rule related to the incident.

Hiring the Right Personal Injury Attorney

Understanding and following the intricate rules associated with a personal injury claim against a public transit agency or its employees is crucial for a successful outcome. It is not advisable to handle this process alone, especially if you have suffered serious injuries. Instead, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a skilled lawyer who specializes in this area. By doing so, you increase your likelihood of obtaining the justice and compensation that you are entitled to. If you find yourself in this situation, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can greatly impact the result of your case.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A WRECK INVOLVING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.