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According to statistics, about 5,000 passengers suffer a slip and fall injury while on a bus, train, subway, or other kinds of public transit. Getting hurt in a public transit fall can be scary and confusing. Such an unfortunate incident may result in minor or severe injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages from missing work. However, you don’t have to suffer the financial consequences and pain all on your own.
Essentially, victims of slip and fall accidents on public transit may be entitled to pursue financial compensation through an injury claim or lawsuit. However, dealing with transit companies and their insurance provider might be difficult. In this post, we will provide you with some essential tips to help you seek financial justice after a public transit accident.
Get Medical Help Right Away
If you were hurt in a public transit fall, you need to get medical help immediately – even if you feel fine or your injuries are minor. Getting prompt medical help is vital for your health, safety, and general well-being. Some injuries, like head trauma, may not show symptoms for days. Your physician can detect any hidden injuries and symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Seeing a doctor creates official records to prove that you were actually injured and document the severity of your injuries. These records will be a vital piece of evidence when seeking financial compensation. Also, getting prompt medical care shows you were responsible in taking care of your health after the accident. The transit company will have a harder time arguing your injuries were not from their negligence.
Report the Incident
As soon as you are able, you should report the details of your public transit fall to the driver, station attendant, or other employee. Get their name and job title. Request they complete an official incident report with all the facts and your personal information.
An incident report creates an official record of what happened with the transit authority. When seeking your lawsuit, the transit company will be unable to claim that they were unaware of your fall-related incident while on their bus. Also, having an official report will help strengthen your case.
Document Everything
Immediately after your public transit fall, start documenting all the details and evidence from the scene. Take photos and video of any hazards that contributed to the accident like slippery floors, broken stairs, or equipment failure. Get footage of your visible injuries too.
Write down a clear account of exactly what happened while your memory is fresh. Include factors like the time, location, weather conditions, observations about lighting or signage, and names of any witnesses. Accurate documentation right after the incident will reinforce your case later.
Get Contact Information of Witnesses
If there were any witnesses to your public transit fall, try to get their names and contact information. Ask other passengers who saw what happened for their phone number or email address. You or your attorney can reach out to them later to get witness statements or testimonies.
Good witnesses can vouch for details that show the transit company was at fault for your fall injuries. For example, a witness could confirm there were no warning signs about slippery floors or that an employee gave inaccurate directions, causing your fall.
Keep Detailed Records and Documentation
After seeking medical treatment, you should keep detailed records, evidence, and other documentation related to your public transit fall injuries and recovery process. This includes doctor notes describing your diagnosed injuries and treatment plan.
Request copies of all medical test results, like X-rays. Keep invoices showing your medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and other related costs. Also, you should track dates you had to miss work and document any lost wages. Maintaining thorough paperwork shows the true financial effect of the incident for which you should receive your deserved compensation.
Do Not Give Statements
Avoid speaking to any insurance adjusters or attorneys from the public transit company without consulting with your attorney. The insurance adjusters do not have your best interests at heart. Their job is to minimize what the insurance company has to pay out as a settlement.
The claims adjuster could intentionally misinterpret your words, take your statement out of context, or ask contradictory questions to create inconsistencies in your responses. Therefore, when they contact you, you should politely deny them and ask them to speak with your attorney about your pending claims.
Know Your Rights
Transit authorities like public buses, trains, and subway services have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions and properly train their employees. If they fail to meet reasonable safety standards, they can be found negligent and held liable for fall injuries. As an injured passenger, understand that you have rights and educate yourself about the relevant laws addressing your case.
Hire an Experienced Lawyer
Having an experienced personal injury lawyer gives you the best chance of a positive outcome in your public transit fall case. Look for a highly skilled attorney who frequently handles claims involving public transit falls. Such an attorney will have the right knowledge and resources to deal with these large companies or public agencies.
Your lawyer can handle all communications and investigate the incident fully. Also, your attorney can help negotiate the maximum settlement from the insurance company or take your case to court if necessary. With an attorney on your side, you can improve your chances of getting a rightful, substantial payout to cover all your injuries and damages.
Conclusion
Suffering injuries from a preventable public transit fall can be really upsetting and may disrupt different aspects of your life. Thankfully, following the right steps to establish liability and document all related damages puts you in a position for justice. By getting proper medical care, detailing evidence, securing witnesses, maintaining records, and hiring a qualified personal injury lawyer, you can protect your legal rights and recover your deserved financial compensation. Also, if your case is taking a long time to settle, you may apply for an affordable lawsuit loan to pay bills and meet your financial needs.
Do You Need a Lawsuit Loan for Your Public Transit Fall Accident Case? Call Us Today!
Contact us at High Rise Financial today to apply for affordable legal funding before your public transit fall case concludes. Our trusted team can guide you through the application process and help you make intelligent decisions. Call our toll-free number today at (866)-407-6404 to schedule a one-on-one consultation.