A new form of public transportation has hit the streets of Tucson and Phoenix: the streetcar and light rail.  While we are excited for this new way of getting around, we also want to make our community aware that, as with any form of transportation, streetcar accidents may occur.

Some examples of accidents involving streetcars are bicycle tires getting stuck in the track’s deep lines, a car getting struck by the streetcar or vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.

The new Tucson streetcar and Phoenix light rail are new public transportation systems run by a public transportation authority. This means that the way streetcar accidents are handled makes litigation processes more complex and different than other personal injury accidents. Here are some facts you need to know if you are involved in streetcar accidents:

  1. Document everything. Write down details about your accident immediately. If you wait, you may forget important details. File all official documents (e.g. police reports, receipts, prescriptions, invoices, etc), and save all correspondence (e.g. emails, letters, text messages pertaining to your accident/injury).
  2. Act fast. Since public transportation systems are run by public authority, the statute of limitation time changes. You must file an initial claim within 6 months or 180 days (which can be even less than 6 months). If you’ve been injured, hire a personal injury attorney in your area as soon as possible to help you make sound, informed decisions in this short allotted time. You will not have to pay legal fees up front.
  3. The city reviews all claims. After you file an initial claim, the city can take up to six months reviewing your case. Make sure to actively communicate with your attorney during this time.
  4. You might have to sue. Once the city is done reviewing your claim, they might deny you. This is why it is important to hire a personal injury attorney soon after the occurrence. Also bear in mind that you only have one year to prepare a lawsuit to get a settlement.

You have limited time to take action, so having a personal injury attorney familiar with all processes will ensure you don’t waste any time. Don’t delay when it comes to getting on the road to recovery and the compensation you deserve.

Photo courtesy of Arizona.edu.