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If you or a loved one were injured in a Metro bus accident, you are likely feeling overwhelmed with what options you have, while also trying to recover from your injuries.
Whether you were injured as a passenger, bicyclist, pedestrian, or as the occupant of another vehicle struck by a Metro bus, our attorneys can help you pursue a claim for your accident.
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A Free Consultation
Our Metro bus accident lawyers have handled dozens of bus accident claims and hundreds of personal injury cases. The bus accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC have taken record-setting verdicts against the WMATA. We are equipped to take on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) while you focus on recovery.
For a no-obligation, free consultation with an experienced DC personal injury lawyer, call the Metro bus accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long at 202-960-4596.
How you claim compensation for a Metro bus accident will ultimately depend on who is at fault for the collision. If the WMATA is at fault, you’ll need to file a claim with the proper agency of the jurisdiction you were injured in.
Depending on the severity of the injuries you then can pursue economic or non-economic damages. A personal injury lawyer familiar with Metro bus accident claims can help you navigate the compensation you are entitled to.
Determining who is liable in a Metro bus accident case is complicated– the WMATA is unlikely to admit fault and because they are part of a government entity, what you need to prove for negligence is even more complex.
However, there are ways to determine who can be held responsible for your injuries in a bus accident case.
The WMATA
According to data from the WMATA, there have been 3.91 million boardings onto the bus systems for January 2023 alone. With ridership on the rise, passengers need to know who they can turn to if accidents occur.
However, don’t look to the WMATA for an easy settlement if you’ve been injured on a Metro bus. The WMATA is part of a government agency which means you do not go to the bus company’s insurance for compensation. Instead, you go to the government agency that handles the Metro rail and Metro bus as they are self-insured and pay out claims from their funds–not an insurance policy. But you can still sue WMATA.
Because of this, you need proof that WMATA was truly at-fault for the accident. They may be held liable in cases where their driver was responsible for causing an accident and resulting injuries, the buses were not properly maintained, etc.
However, know that the guidelines for filing a claim are different, too. Depending on where the accident occurred, you’ll need to file a claim with the appropriate government agency all within the proper time limitations. The Metro bus system operates in Virginia, DC, and Maryland and these jurisdictions all have their own filing requirements.
The Metro bus accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long have the experience and the knowledge of these intricate guidelines and can help you file a claim against the agency.
The Bus Manufacturer
In some cases, a bus may have a mechanical failure that results in a collision. If this is the case, injured riders may be able to sue the bus manufacturer for damages incurred. Potential vehicle defaults may include:
There are instances where a bus accident is caused by the reckless behavior of another driver on the road. In those cases, you may be able to sue the other driver’s insurance to collect for damages from the collision.
A Pedestrian
Because of the large number of pedestrians commuting in the Washington Metropolitan Area, the DC Council passed the “Pedestrian Protection Bus Safety Amendment Act of 2006” which makes it illegal for a driver to make a right turn in front of a bus that is stopped at an intersection.
However, there are still instances where other drivers may not abide by these rules resulting in an accident. Further, there are also pedestrian rules to keep them and motorists safe. When pedestrians do not abide by these laws, accidents can occur.
If you are unsure of who caused your Metro bus accident, be sure to contact a bus accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long. Our attorneys have the experience needed to determine who is liable for your injuries.
Like any personal injury case, finding a lawyer or law firm who can take on your claim can be challenging, especially when you are recovering from injuries and trying to move forward with life. However, there are certain things you should do to find the best Metro bus lawyer for your case.
Request a Free Case Evaluation for Your Metro Bus Accident
Before you sign on to any law firm, you are going to have to go through a case evaluation. This not only helps you to get to know the firm, but it allows the legal team to decide if your case is something they want to take on.
You can contact our bus accident lawyers for a free case evaluation at 202-960-4596 or by filling out our online form.
If you were injured in a Metro bus accident in Washington, DC, Virginia, or Maryland, our personal injury law firm is ready to take your case and get you the maximum compensation for your claim.
