Transit Authority Accident

The Charlotte Transit System (CATS) is a transit system located in the Charlotte metropolitan area. CATS buses, streetcars, and light rail lines provide many multi-stop lines throughout Charlotte. Over 80,000 residents use the Charlotte transit system during the workweek. In 2010, over 24 million riders used the transit system throughout the year. While the CATS system offers a vital service for Charlotte residents, accidents involving buses, light rail cars, or streetcars do happen. If you have suffered an injury resulting from a Charlotte transit vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys have vast experience in successfully negotiating personal injury settlements and winning at trial. When Charlotte Transit System accidents occur, it is essential that those injured contact skilled personal injury attorneys. Whether you are a pedestrian, driver, or commuter who suffered an injury, we can help. If a transit system driver negligently carried out his or her duties, you likely have a legal claim. Successful clients are entitled to damages for lost past and future wages, medical expenses, pain, suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Contact the skilled Charlotte transit authority attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to set up your free initial consultation.

The transit system includes a rapid bus transit line caned the Sprinter. It also consists of the LYNX Blue Line which is a light rail line. Charlotte's transit system also consists of a streetcar line called the CityLYNX Gold Line. Charlotte Transit Authority also operates a Special Transportation Service (STS) that provides people with disabilities transportation. Passengers on the STS must have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disability Act. The CATS transports over 24 million people a year, and collisions resulting in injuries are bound to happen.

If you have suffered an injury while riding the Charlotte Transit System, you may have a valid claim against the City of Charlotte. Unfortunately, attempting to hold local governments responsible for transit accidents can be challenging. Transit passengers injured on government property in Charlotte, North Carolina can sue the city for the negligence of their transit employees. It is essential that when you do file a claim against the city, you follow the city's rules for filing a civil suit against them for the negligence of a city employee.

The state government of North Carolina and the city of Charlotte allows residents to file a "Notice of Claim" for injuries sustained by the negligence of a state or city employee or agency. The purpose of filing the Notice of Claim is to make the government aware that you are considering filing a claim against them for compensation for your injuries. The type and nature of the accident will determine which forms you need to complete. It is essential to include the following information in your Notice of Claim:

• The date, time, and location of your accident
• An explanation of how the accident occurred
• Evidence that demonstrates your injuries
• Evidence that shows that a city employee is at fault
• The amount of compensation that you are claiming for your injuries

It is wise to hire skilled Charlotte Transit Authority attorneys to make your Notice of Claim. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys can investigate the facts of your transit authority collision. We will use our findings to draft a persuasive and effective Notice of Claim. We help our clients have the best chance possible at recovering compensation from the City of Charlotte.

North Carolina is one of only a few states that recognize the legal doctrine of contributory negligence. Even when someone else’s negligence caused an accident, the person seeking compensation cannot recover at all if they are at fault for the accident. For example, if a jury determines that the injured plaintiff is 3% at fault for the collision, the plaintiff cannot recover at all.

The contributory negligence rule makes it difficult for commuters, pedestrians, or passengers injured in Charlotte transit authority accidents to recover compensation. Our attorneys understand how important presenting a strong case is in avoiding the baring of payment due to the contributory negligence doctrine. If you have suffered an injury in a bus, light rail, or transit accident in Charlotte, we can help you fight for your right to compensation. Contact our Charlotte law office today to set up your initial consultation.