Filing a Riverside Transit Agency Slip-and-Fall Accident Claim

 Posted on July 05, 2024 in Premises Liability

In 2022, there were 15,033 bus accidents across the United States, with 210 resulting in fatalities. New York had the highest number of bus accidents, followed by Florida, Texas, California, and Illinois. There were 857 bus accidents in the state of California in 2022, and while many were minor, others resulted in severe injuries.

While we usually think of a crash or collision between a bus and another vehicle causing injuries, there are instances where a slip-and-fall can occur on a bus or as a person gets off the bus. If there was negligence involved that caused the accident, injured victims can file a claim against the private bus company or, in the case of city buses, against the government entity that operates the buses.

There are different laws and rules when filing against a government entity. If your accident occurred on a Riverside Transit Authority bus, you could benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable Temecula personal injury attorney who has experience filing claims against government entities. Your lawyer will know the statutes of limitations and how to build a solid case on your behalf.

What Could Cause a Slip-and-Fall on a City Bus?

A slip-and-fall on a city bus can be caused by many different issues. Most of these involve negligence on the bus driver's part or poor maintenance on the part of the city. Driver issues that cause slip-and-fall accidents may include:

• Distracted driving on the part of the bus driver
• Impaired driving
• Exceeding the speed limit
• Improper lane changes
• Failure to yield
• Sudden stops or turns
• Reckless or careless driving
• An overly fatigued driver

Bus maintenance issues that could contribute to a slip-and-fall accident include:

• Broken handrails
• Poorly maintained tires or brakes
• Inadequate lighting
• Bus overcrowding
• Rain or ice on the steps of the bus

While neither the bus company nor the driver has any control over the weather, the bus driver must drive more carefully during bad weather to avoid sliding, which can cause a passenger to slip and fall. The driver must also ensure the steps are not slippery for those getting on or off. A sudden stop by the bus driver can cause a person standing to be thrown off their feet, receiving potentially severe injuries.

The Complexities Associated with Filing a Claim for a Riverside Transit Authority Slip-and-Fall  

The Riverside Transit Authority has a duty of care related to how it conducts business and a legal obligation to safeguard all passengers. When negligence is involved, you can file a claim against the city if you can prove they are responsible for your losses. Sovereign immunity generally protects governmental organizations, but the Torts Claim Act provides a limited waiver of that protection under certain circumstances.

Rather than the usual two-year California statute of limitations for personal injuries, you only have six months to claim damages against the city. Specific paperwork must be filed, and all supporting documentation must be attached. You will have to detail your damages and explain why you believe Riverside Transit Authority is liable. It is highly advisable to have an attorney well-versed in claims against governmental agencies. The smallest mistake can keep you from obtaining a settlement for your damages.

What Damages Could Result from Your RTA Bus Slip-and-Fall?

A slip-and-fall sustained while the bus was moving, during a sudden stop, or on slippery bus steps can leave you severely injured. Your damages could include economic damages, which have specific amounts attached. This includes medical expenses (current and future), lost wages, and lost future wages if your injury is severe enough to prevent you from returning to work for a long time. Non-economic damages are less easy to quantify because they are more subjective. Pain and suffering cover actual physical pain as well as mental and emotional pain and trauma resulting from your injuries.

Contact a Riverside County, CA Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you have been injured on a city bus, you need a Temecula, CA personal injury lawyer to advocate for you against a governmental entity. When you choose Maineri Law Firm, you will benefit from more than 23 years of legal experience. We offer a free consultation where we will answer your questions and present your options. Call Maineri Law Firm at 951-698-4200 to speak to a highly knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.