Public transportation like Montgomery County’s MCDOT Ride On and Transit Services make life easier. However, every vehicle in the public transportation fleet is operated by a person, and people are liable to make mistakes. Because filing a claim against a government department is very different than filing an injury claim against another person, we’re outlining the steps to take after being injured by public transportation. Here’s a brief overview of what to do if you suffer a personal injury while riding on a public transit system.
Seek Medical Attention
Though you may feel angry and upset at the operator or transit personnel whose negligence may have caused your injury, do your best to stay calm and wait for the paramedics to arrive. If you incur medical bills, you may be compensated for any current and future damages if you enlist the help of an attorney.
Contact a Lawyer
After you recover and collect information about your injury, contact a personal injury attorney. Howard Simcox and Karen Sussman offer their clients honest assessments as to whether or not their claims are valid. Bringing charges against a government transit authority is often very difficult, so it’s important to determine whether you have a viable personal injury claim before you file.
File a Claim
Once your attorneys have determined your case is worth pursuing, they’ll quickly help you file a claim. It’s important to take action sooner rather than later; according to the D.C. statute of limitations, claimants have three years to pursue compensation. Once your claim is filed, you’ll then begin negotiating a financial settlement with the transit authority. If negotiations break down, Sussman & Simcox won’t hesitate to follow the case to court.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a car accident, you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Gaithersburg office directly at 301.840.0404 to schedule your free consultation.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.