Filing a personal injury claim against LA Metro or another public transport entity isn’t like any other claim. Governed by California’s Government Code Section 945.6, these claims come with strict deadlines and special rules. This article breaks down exactly what you need to do to secure compensation after an accident on public transport. For expert assistance, call California Attorney Group at (310) 278-6666.
You’re on an LA Metro bus, riding along on a typical day. Then, bam! An abrupt stop throws you forward, and suddenly, your shoulder is screaming in pain. You might be wondering—how did this happen? More importantly, who’s going to cover these medical bills?
When it comes to filing claims against Los Angeles public transport, the rules aren’t just different. They’re designed to be tougher, faster, and, for the unprepared, unforgiving. California Government Code Section 945.6 is what stands between you and the compensation you deserve, giving you only six months to file your claim. Miss it, and your claim could be gone for good.
If you’ve been injured on a Metro bus, train, or even on public property related to transit, these time-sensitive claims demand immediate action. With experienced accident lawyers in Los Angeles, you’ll be guided through every tight deadline and legal hoop to get the compensation you’re owed.
When you’re dealing with a public entity, the rules change. Instead of the usual two-year period for filing injury claims in California, Government Code Section 945.6 shortens the timeline to just six months. Six months from the date of the accident is all you have to act.
It’s easy to miss this deadline, especially when you’re focused on recovery. But if you don’t file within this period, your case will likely be dismissed before it even begins. With a California car accident attorney on your side, though, you can avoid the pitfalls of this accelerated timeline, ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly—and on time.
If you think you can file your injury claim directly against LA Metro or the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, think again. The process begins with something called a “government claim,” a required step for anyone who wants to sue a public agency.
A government claim isn’t just another form; it’s the foundation of your case. File this document with the responsible agency, detailing every aspect of the accident—how it happened, what went wrong, and the damages you’ve incurred. Without this claim, you don’t have a case. Period. And if it’s not filed properly? It’ll be rejected, and you’ll be back to square one.
An auto injury lawyer near you will ensure this claim is filled out meticulously, from listing the exact damages to citing the agency’s responsibility. Any missing details, any mistakes, and your claim could get tossed out on a technicality. That’s why having a professional by your side is crucial.
After submitting your government claim, the waiting game begins. The agency—whether it’s LA Metro, LADOT, or another public transport entity—has 45 days to respond. Within this period, they can either accept, deny, or ignore your claim.
If the agency denies your claim, you have six more months to file a lawsuit. If they don’t respond? You actually gain a bit of time, extending your filing period to two years from the date of the incident. Confusing? Absolutely. That’s why having a car accident claim lawyer to track deadlines and decode responses is invaluable.
Agencies sometimes fail to respond or stall, hoping you’ll lose track. Your attorney will keep the timeline in check, ensuring that no response goes unnoticed and every deadline is met.
Now comes the heavy lifting—proving that the public transport entity’s negligence caused your injury. For private entities, proving negligence is straightforward. But with public transportation, you’re up against more defenses, and the law offers government agencies certain immunities. That’s where the battle really begins.
Negligence means showing that the public transport agency, its employees, or contractors acted unreasonably. Maybe the bus driver was distracted. Perhaps an LA Metro train malfunctioned due to a lack of maintenance. Or maybe a stop signal failed, leading to an accident.
To prove this, experienced accident lawyers in Los Angeles will dig deep, pulling maintenance records, employee reports, video footage, and even witness statements. They know how to fight through the bureaucracy, exposing any weak links in the agency’s chain of responsibility. And when you’re up against a public agency, it takes expertise and tenacity to make your case.
Here’s something that surprises many claimants: public agencies have immunity defenses, meaning they’re not liable for every injury that occurs. For example, if a Metro bus driver has to brake suddenly to avoid a pedestrian and you’re injured as a result, they might argue that their actions were in the interest of public safety, which could protect them from liability.
Sounds like an impossible situation? Not with the right car accident lawyer near you. Experienced attorneys know how to counter these defenses, showing how the agency failed to act responsibly or maintain safe conditions, regardless of their immunity claims.
Public agencies also have a legal team trained to avoid paying claims. This is where a seasoned attorney steps in, using every available argument and piece of evidence to hold the agency accountable, even when immunity is claimed.
When you’re filing against public transport, thorough documentation isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Every medical bill, every appointment, every prescription contributes to your claim. Even small details, like physical therapy receipts or transportation costs if you’re unable to drive, add weight to your case.
Auto injury attorneys near you will help you maintain a record of every expense, strengthening your claim and protecting you against lowball settlement offers. In cases involving public entities, this detailed documentation is critical, often making the difference between a dismissed claim and a successful case.
When it comes to public transportation accidents, evidence can be your best friend. Many buses, trains, and stations are equipped with security cameras, and that footage could be the proof you need. But remember, agencies don’t store this footage indefinitely. The sooner you or your attorney request it, the better.
Your attorney will also seek out witness statements from other passengers or bystanders who saw what happened. Their accounts can be pivotal in proving your side of the story. California car accident attorneys know how to access these details quickly, ensuring that nothing is missed in the critical early stages of your case.
So, what happens if the public agency denies your claim? At this point, your only option is to sue. Once denied, you have six months to file a lawsuit, so you’ll need to act fast.
With the best car accident lawyer Los Angeles offers, you’ll have a guide through the entire lawsuit process, from filing the complaint to presenting evidence in court. Your attorney will ensure that every requirement is met and that your case is as strong as possible.
Injuries on public transport come with a ticking clock. Every day that passes is a day closer to a missed deadline, a lost piece of evidence, or a blurred witness memory. Act quickly, and you increase your chances of securing the compensation you need to recover.
Public transport agencies and their legal teams know the rules—and they know you might not. But with a California car accident attorney who understands the process, you’ll have an advocate who won’t let the system slip by unnoticed. Don’t lose your opportunity by waiting. Act fast.
Injured on LA Metro or another public transport service? Don’t let the strict deadlines and complex rules stand in your way. California Attorney Group is here to ensure that every form is filled, every deadline is met, and every piece of evidence is secured. Call us at (310) 278-6666 today to discuss your claim and get the expert help you need.
Public transportation accidents are challenging enough—let us handle the legal hurdles. Contact California Attorney Group today and take the first step toward securing your rights.
