Did you sustain injuries in a car accident involving public transportation in Dallas? You could be entitled to compensation if it was caused by someone else’s negligence. However, bringing a claim against a public entity is a complex process that follows different rules from most accident claims.
The good news is that a lawyer from Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. can guide you through it. We can help you file the right forms, gather the records you need, meet any deadlines, and deal with the city or transit agency for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help in a free consultation.
Why Hiring a Lawyer for a Car Accident Involving Public Transportation Is Important
Crashes with public transportation vehicles often involve government agencies, which changes how you must handle the claim. These cases require more than just showing who caused the accident. You must follow a different process if the city or a public worker played a role. That includes filing special paperwork, meeting tighter deadlines, and accepting compensation limits.
A single mistake or missed deadline in this process could jeopardize your chance to recover money. A lawyer who handles these cases knows how to protect your rights from the start. They can help you deal with city rules, get all the paperwork right, and push for the full amount you deserve.
Common Types of Public Transportation Crashes in Texas
Dallas has a wide network of buses, light rail trains, and trolleys through Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and other services. Accidents involving these vehicles can happen in many different ways. Here are some examples of common types of public transportation crashes in Dallas:
- DART buses hitting cars in traffic – A DART bus driver might run a red light or make an unsafe turn and crash into a vehicle in a busy intersection.
- Light rail trains striking pedestrians – A person walking near the DART rail line might get hit if the train operator fails to stop in time or ignores a warning signal.
- Trolley accidents happening in downtown Dallas – The M-Line trolley might suddenly stop or derail, throwing riders from their seats and causing injuries.
- Buses hitting cyclists in bike lanes – A DART driver might drift into a marked bike lane and knock a cyclist off their bike.
- Trains colliding with stalled vehicles at crossings – A TRE commuter train might crash into a car stuck on the tracks if a warning system fails or the train doesn’t slow down quickly enough.
What to Do After a Car Accident Involving Public Transportation in Dallas
If a public transportation crash in Dallas left you with injuries, you’ll want to take certain steps to protect your claim. Here’s what you should do to make sure you stay on track:
- Get checked by a doctor, even if you feel okay.
- Ask for copies of your doctor visits, test results, and treatment costs.
- Write down the dates you missed work and ask your employer for a statement of lost income.
- Report the incident to the transit agency and request a copy of any report they file.
- Request video footage from the bus, train, or station before it gets deleted or recorded over.
- Take photos of your injuries or damaged property and keep this evidence in a safe place.
- Contact a Dallas personal injury attorney before speaking to insurers.
Who Could Be Liable for a Dallas Public Transportation Accident?
Several parties could share fault for a public transit crash. For example, the driver of the bus or train could be responsible if they made a mistake while working. A transit agency like DART could also be liable if it hired unqualified drivers or failed to maintain its vehicles properly.
In some cases, another driver on the road might be liable. If so, that driver’s insurance could apply even though a city vehicle was involved. If an equipment failure is a contributing factor, the company that made or serviced the defective parts might also carry blame.
Fault doesn’t always rest with one party, and more than one personal injury claim could be possible. A car and bus collision lawyer in Dallas can help you determine who caused the crash and hold them accountable.
Request a Free Consultation Now
What Compensation Can I Claim After a Public Transportation Collision in Dallas?
If you got hurt in a public transportation crash someone else caused, you can ask for money to cover several types of accident-related losses, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
A Dallas car accident lawyer can explain what your case might be worth and pursue compensation from all available sources.
How Long Do I Have to File a Public Transportation Injury Claim in Texas?
The deadline to file a public transit claim in Texas depends on who caused the crash. If a government agency like DART or the City of Dallas played a role, you must give the city written notice of your claim within six months. That notice must describe what happened, where and when it happened, and what injuries or damage you suffered. The City of Dallas provides a claim form on its website.
If you cannot settle your claim with the city, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, you must have met the city’s notice deadline first. If you’re filing a lawsuit against a non-government entity, this two-year limit also applies.
If you miss either deadline, you could lose your right to demand compensation. A public transit accident attorney in Dallas can help you identify the relevant deadlines for your case and file everything on time.
Contact a Dallas Public Transportation Accident Attorney
If you were hurt in a public transportation crash in Dallas, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. has helped injured Texans for over 50 years. Here’s what one client had to say about working with us:
“Kraft & Associates went the extra mile for me. Thank you guys so much!!! Great communication, professional, friendly, and kind.” – Eboney K.
Call us now at (214) 999-9999 to get started with your free consultation.