Metro Accident Attorneys
Nobody wants to start their daily commute with an accident. Almost everyone living or working in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area has used some form of public transit. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) maintains the D.C. Metro’s public transit system. The Metrorail system is one of the busiest in the country, seeing about 650,000 riders on weekdays. The Metrobus system has over 300 routes and 12,000 bus stops that connect the D.C. metropolitan area to suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. With so many commuters, it is no surprise that accidents happen.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries using a public transit system in the D.C. area, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Weiner, Spivey & Miller, PLC in Fairfax can help you obtain compensation. The senior attorneys on our team each have over 40 years of experience in personal injury law and are very familiar with the laws surrounding the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Request your free initial consultation by emailing us now.
Bus And Train Crashes In The D.C. Metro Area
Several factors can cause an accident on a Metro bus or train. From bus collisions to poorly maintained Metro stations, there is always a chance of suffering a serious injury on your daily commute.
Injuries on the Metrorail and buses often happen due to:
- Bus drivers closing the doors too quickly
- Bus drivers accelerating too rapidly or driving carelessly
- Subway trains derailing or colliding with other trains
- Train doors closing on commuters
- Slip-and-falls in train stations
- Faulty escalators or elevators in stations
When you file a claim against Metrorail, Metrobus or the Washington Area Transit Authority, you face a lawsuit against a government agency. Depending on where your accident happened, you will have six months to a year to file your claim. Our attorneys can advise you of your rights and help you get your case started and filed in time.
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Why Are WMATA And Transit Cases Different?
Injuries involving Metro buses or trains are not handled like ordinary accident claims. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is a government entity, which means it is protected by sovereign immunity. This legal protection limits when and how WMATA can be sued and makes these cases far more technical than claims against private companies.
One of the most important differences is timing. Before an injured person can even file a lawsuit, they are required to submit a formal Notice of Claim. This notice alerts WMATA to the injury and preserves the right to pursue compensation later. These deadlines are strict and unforgiving. Key factors that make WMATA and transit cases unique include:
- Sovereign immunity can block claims that do not meet specific legal exceptions.
- Short notice deadlines that may be as little as 180 days after the incident.
- Special procedural rules that do not apply in standard personal injury cases.
- Higher evidentiary burdens when proving negligence by a public transit authority.
Missing a notice deadline or filing incorrect paperwork can permanently bar recovery, even if the injuries are severe.
Because these cases involve overlapping federal, state and local rules, working with an attorney familiar with WMATA accident claims is often essential. Our experienced WMATA accident lawyer can determine whether immunity applies, help ensure deadlines are met and protect the injured party’s right to pursue compensation for wrongful death or damages incurred.
Preserving Evidence Is Critical
Evidence in transit cases can disappear quickly. Video footage from buses and trains is overwritten within days or weeks and incident reports may be difficult to obtain later.
Contacting an attorney immediately allows a preservation letter to be sent, which legally requires WMATA or another carrier to retain critical evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common concerns after a Metro or bus-related injury.
Can I sue if I was injured on a private bus (like Greyhound)?
Yes. Private bus companies are considered common carriers and do not have government immunity. They are held to a very high safety standard for passengers.
How long do I have to file a claim for a Metro accident?
While Virginia generally allows two years for injury lawsuits, claims involving WMATA often require a Notice of Claim within 180 days or one year. Missing this deadline usually ends the case.
Fighting For Your Right To Compensation After A Train Accident
If you are involved in an accident on public transit in the D.C. metropolitan area, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Weiner, Spivey & Miller, PLC. With over 190 years of combined experience and a former insurance defense attorney on our team, you can count on our skilled advocacy to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 703-273-9500 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free consultation.