Some Facts About Legally Fighting Raleigh’s Public Transit System?
Many people in North Carolina drive themselves to work or school every day, but thousands of others rely on buses, trolleys, light rail systems, and other types of public transportation to get around.
Even though mass transport is commonly safe, bus and train accidents happen, and when this occurs, these accidents can seriously injure you as a passenger. What do you do if you are injured and must sue for compensation to recover?
State and federal agencies and local law enforcement agencies may investigate an accident involving a public bus or train. However, these investigations often do little to protect your rights as an injured victim. These investigations are focused on finding the cause of the incident and avoiding the possibility of future accidents.
That said, by consulting with an experienced Raleigh accident lawyer who understands the importance of cooperating with state and federal authorities, you can take advantage of the knowledge and passion required to use the government’s findings in building your case.
These cases are legally challenging, and your lawyer will also utilize their network of investigators when necessary to develop a clear picture of what happened and what caused your injury.
It’s important to note that public transit systems in North Carolina are owned and operated by the counties and municipalities that they serve, which makes them government entities. Due to this, obtaining compensation from a transportation system can be difficult following your accident. Your skilled, passionate, and thorough public transport lawyer understands that complicated in no way means impossible. They fully understand all the laws that protect municipal entities like GoRaleigh and CATS and are well-versed in ways that will allow you to seek justice.
What Are Some Typical Types of Accidents Involving Public Transport? What Should I Do If I’m Injured While Using Public Transportation?
It’s a sad but true reality that accidents do occur while utilizing public transportation in Raleigh. Many times, these accidents can be life-altering and even fatal. It’s also vitally important that public transportation providers have a strict legal obligation to keep their riders safe; when they don’t, they need to be held accountable for your injuries, medical bills, recovery, etc.
Public transportation is usually considered a secure and practical means of transportation. Driving around a large and busy city can be stressful, especially when finding a parking spot. Public transit does much to eliminate this stress.
However, when using public transportation, it’s critical to remember that the carrier is responsible for keeping you safe during your ride.
It’s always good to be aware of your rights and options if something happens.
- Also, after your accident occurs, you should:
- Get immediate medical attention – This is vital, but keep all documents and reports that the medical personnel provide.
- Give your information to the authorities – Your contact information must be given to whichever agency oversees the crash investigation; this is critical. Always respond to their inquiries, get a case number, and confirm the investigator’s contact details. This is crucial if the transportation provider must be held accountable for a complaint to be filed against them.
- Consult with a professional Raleigh public transportation lawyer – While recovering, it’s very stressful to lose your money for a few days, weeks, or more, but you must take the time to return to optimal health following an accident. Your skilled, passionate, and knowledgeable lawyer will know what to do to provide the compensation needed for you and your family to move on.
What Type of Damages Can My Lawyer Obtain For My Public Transport Accident?
If you have been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. But knowing that just because you were involved in a bus accident does not automatically entitle you to compensation. You and your empathetic yet aggressive law team must demonstrate that you suffered damage from the accident.
Just a few of the types of damages you could receive are:
- Current, past, and future medical expenses, including hospital bills, follow-up care, etc.
- Lost wages you’ve incurred due to your accident.
- Loss of your future earning capacity.
- Property damage, etc.
Non-economic damages you may suffer are unlike those with a set monetary value. Instead, they are more subjective and based on your case’s unique facts.
These may include:
- Pain and suffering due to stress and possibly life-changing injuries.
- Loss of the enjoyment of doing certain things you can no longer do.
- Loss of companionship and relationships.
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring.
A well-trained, compassionate public transport accident lawyer will thoroughly evaluate your case and determine the appropriate damages. They will fight for your rights and ensure you know all your legal options.
I’ve Been In a Public Transport Accident in Raleigh; How Should I Proceed?
When legally managing accidents involving public transportation, aspects of your case will get complicated. Multiple parties, such as the driver, the transit authority, outside maintenance companies, and others, could be held responsible.
Navigating the legal process and professionally deciding who should be held accountable for your damages is always challenging.
This is why you must have a highly experienced public transportation accident lawyer on your side. Your lawyer will determine and identify all the individuals and entities who should be held responsible and can guide you through the process of filing your claim.
The highly trained personal injury lawyers at O’Malley Tunstall PC support and professionally represent Raleigh accident victims in taking the necessary legal action. Call them today at 919-277-0150 for an initial consultation, and they will immediately begin to analyze and build a successful case to get your and your family’s life back on track.