Millions of people use public transportation to commute to and from work every day. This is especially true in metropolitan areas where the streets are crowded and parking is limited. While on the way to work, the people who are commuting assume they will have a safe trip. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
If you or someone you know experienced an accident during your commute, you may feel helpless. However, you can take action to get retribution for what happened. Here is what to do after a commuting accident.
1. Gather Information
After an accident, it can be difficult to think straight. However, you need to get yourself together in order to collect the necessary information. Note the time, the location, and, if possible, the number of the vehicle. All of this will be useful later when you start your claim. If you have a ticket with the time or any other important information on it, be sure to save that as well. The more you have, the more likely you are to win your case.
2. Act Quickly
It is important to act as soon as possible. The more time you allow to pass, the less likely it is that your claim will be accepted. There is also a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the time you have to file the claim. If you were injured in a subway accident, Justin Kimball from Preszler Law of Nova Scotia explains that you will need to bring your claim within two years of the accident. If you don’t, your ability to file the claim and any settlement money you would have received is gone for good.
Get to a lawyer as soon as possible. If money is an issue, causing you to prolong your case, look for a lawyer that will take the case and take payment if you win.
3. Know What Is Covered
In many cases, an accident on your commute to or from work is not covered by workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, since you are not on the premises, your job isn’t usually responsible. However, there are situations where it would be covered. Some of those situations include:
- The employer covers the cost of travel or provides a vehicle.
- The employee is injured traveling on the job.
- The employer is located in a spot that makes travel dangerous due to hazardous conditions.
- The employee is injured on the employer’s premises.
If your accident doesn’t fall into any of these categories, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no hope for a case. Talk to a lawyer to go over the details. They may be able to take the case or point you in the right direction. If your case can’t be handled by workers compensation, you still might have the ability to sue the city responsible for the transportation. If you can’t move forward with the case, at least you know you tried.
4. Gain Support
If other people were in the accident with you, it’s a good idea to join forces. There is power in numbers. You can collaborate each other’s stories. You can also act as witnesses for each other. Also, you’ll be able to act as emotional support after the accident you just experienced. If you work with any of the people that were involved with the accident, that’s even more powerful for your case.
After the accident, talk to the people around you. Start by ensuring that everyone is all right. After that, ask if they plan on taking any sort of legal action. You can trade contact information and keep each other informed about any progress you make in your case to help the other one out.
5. Don’t Be Afraid
Many people are afraid to take action for fear of retaliation. Not only is this horribly inappropriate of your employer, but it’s also illegal. If they do retaliate, they will only have an even bigger case on their hands. Don’t be afraid. Being meek at a time like this will only prevent you from getting what is rightfully and lawfully yours. Don’t get into the habit of passing up on what you deserve out of fear.
Whether you drive, take the train, or take the bus, your commute to work should be safe. If you get injured on your commute, it can be covered by worker’s compensation in some situations. Get yourself to a lawyer as quickly as possible to learn about your legal options. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
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