What Can I Do if I Was Hit by a City Bus or Other Government Vehicle?

 Posted on March 14, 2022 in Personal Injury

City buses and trains provide much-needed affordable public transit options to many people, especially in congested city areas. While these methods of transportation certainly have their benefits, bus drivers and train conductors are prone to making the same kinds of driving errors as anyone else. Because buses and trains are so large, the consequences of a driver error can be serious and even fatal. If you have been injured as a driver or pedestrian by a city bus or train, or by any other government vehicle, you may want to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.

Keep Detailed Records of Medical Treatment

The first thing any victim of a motor vehicle accident should do is seek medical help. If, following an accident, you can safely take pictures and document what happened, you may want to do so, but do not put off seeking urgent medical treatment because you want to preserve evidence. Call the police and allow them to document facts about the accident.

Motor vehicle accidents often require urgent medical treatment immediately after the accident and long-term rehabilitative care like chiropractic treatment and physical therapy. Be sure to keep your treatments, expenses, diagnoses, and all other relevant medical documents safe and organized so you can present evidence of the damage caused to you by the accident.

Find Out Who is Responsible for the Accident

This stage is when you will likely want to seek the help of an experienced mass transit or government vehicle accident lawyer. Some of the most common causes of accidents by public transportation or other government vehicles include:

• The driver or conductor was speeding
• The driver or conductor was sleep deprived, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• The vehicle suffered from a mechanical or electrical malfunction
• Poor weather conditions contributed to slippery roads or tracks

Any time an accident happens involving a government vehicle, there will be an investigation by the appropriate governmental authority. These can be useful for determining fault and collecting data. But having a third party independently investigate and review evidence can turn up facts that were missed or hidden by the government agency investigation.

Meet with an Experienced DuPage County Public Transportation Accident Lawyer

Vehicle and pedestrian accidents are always frightening and confusing, but when a government vehicle is involved, there is an extra layer of complexity. If you need help understanding whether you could have a case against the state, meet with an experienced DuPage County public transportation accident attorney with Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices. We offer free consultations and contingency-based representation so if we do not win, you do not pay. Call us today at 630-932-9100.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1865&ChapterID=50