Preliminary data from the National Transit Database (NTD) show that the bus fatality and injury rate increased by 9.9%, going up to 13.77 in 2023 from 12.53 in 2022.

If you have experienced any injury while being in the public transportation system, then the steps you have to know to file a claim are:

There are certain mandatory procedures that one has to follow for the case to continue and their medical bills to be charged to the liable party. Public transportation injury claims are indeed difficult to grasp, but it helps to know what one is entitled to.

Let’s look at the steps involved when the question of injury compensation comes about in the aftermath of a public transportation injury incident.

Understanding Your Rights as a Public Transit User

Know your rights, especially if you constantly use the public transportation system.

You do have the right to report unsafe situations like broken-down equipment, unclean environments, or others, to the transit authority. You are fully entitled to fair treatment by the staff and drivers of the public transport systems, who are supposed to aid you in keeping you safe throughout your journey.

Reporting an incident is an acceptable way to obtain a claim when negligence injures you. Always put safety first. Assert your right to use the public transport facilities offered by your place. You need to familiarize yourself with your rights, as they are your greatest weapon to fight when the need arises.

Documenting the Incident and Your Injuries

Proper documentation immediately following any incident on the public transport system can greatly strengthen your injury claim.

Start with photographs of the accident site, including injuries, surrounding areas of the accident, and equipment or vehicles involved.

If there should be witnesses, their names and contacts must be obtained in case it may be necessary to take statements later on. Keep all relevant documentation for the injuries, treatment, and billing.

Start forming a record of the limits of the injuries as they affect your daily life, work capacity, and ability to partake in activities. Stronger foundations can be laid for any claim with the comprehensive documentation, thus positioning you to earn just compensation.

Reporting the Accident to Authorities

Creating an accident report to submit to the authorities has to be done to produce an official record stating the sequences of events. And once it’s safe to do so, contact your local police or transportation authority. Such records may become very important in filing claims over a period of time.

Give the sincere account of the incident, as you must allow the police to hear from your side. Such a statement, elaborated with photocopies of any police report or other official papers, can become worthy of proceeding with your case.

Get ready to report the claim immediately or within a short time after the accident to the insurance company. The faster the report can be lodged, the easier the payment procedure will be. Taking these steps will protect both you and your rights.

Gathering Evidence for Your Claim

After reporting the accident to the appropriate authorities, the follow-up procedure is that of evidence collection. Proof will be required to assert your grievance.

Capture photographs of the scene of the accident. Obtain angled shots of any injuries sustained, the vehicle damages, and anything else that may tend to support your claim.

Maintaining a copy of the accident report is going to prove handy, as it contains the major information relative to your claim. If at all possible, try requesting camera footage from any surveillance camera in the area.

Upon injury, all bills and medical records must be documented to prove their extent. There should also be a journal that accounts for the impact of these injuries upon one’s daily activities.

The evidence you collect will heavily weigh the scales of liability and clearly demonstrate the trauma you suffered.

Dealing with the Claims Process and Seeking Compensation

As soon as you begin the claims process, it will be worth your while to understand the steps involved in getting the compensation you deserve. First, file an official claim with the transportation agency or the insurance company. Give every piece of information and evidence that you hold.

An investigation will be conducted regarding your injuries, medical expenses, and circumstances surrounding the incident. In some cases, compensation might be influenced by local insurance laws such as the no pay, no play law, which can limit recovery for uninsured individuals depending on the state.

Do not take a settlement offer immediately. Try to see first if it accurately covers your medical expenses, loss of wages, pain, and suffering.

If you feel the need, hire a personal injury lawyer dealing with claims on matters related to public transportation. They really do offer the guidance and negotiation you need to get what you rightfully deserve in such a case.