Picture yourself waiting at a light on Main Street in Mesa when a city bus or light rail train slams into your car. You might assume the claim works like any other crash, but transit crashes often follow different rules, and some deadlines are much shorter than usual. Here is what you should know about who may be responsible, which deadlines apply and what evidence to save.
Identify who actually runs the bus or train
Valley Metro is a brand rather than a single company, so your first step is figuring out who operated the vehicle that hit you. Valley Metro Rail, Inc. runs the light rail, while the Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) oversees bus service, and each injured person must submit a separate claim form to Valley Metro.
In the East Valley, a private company also operates many bus routes under contract. If a city-owned vehicle such as a police car or garbage truck hits you, your claim generally goes to that city.
Know which deadlines apply to each party
Identifying the operator matters because the type of party you claim against affects how long you have to act. In most cases, a claim against a public agency must follow Arizona’s notice of claim rules, which require a written notice within 180 days. You then have only one year to file a lawsuit.
A claim against a private bus contractor or another driver who shared fault may instead fall under the standard two-year deadline. The clock usually starts when you knew or should have known what caused your injury, and minors may have more time.
Preserve transit video and records quickly
Because these deadlines can arrive fast, early evidence matters as much as early paperwork. Many buses and trains carry cameras, but that footage may not stay available for long. Write down the route number, vehicle number and exact location as soon as you can. Keep your medical bills, repair estimates and injury photos, since a notice of claim must state a specific dollar amount and the facts supporting it.
Protect your claim from the first day
A transit crash can involve a public agency, a private company or both, and each may come with its own deadline. Key evidence can also disappear before you realize you need it. The most important step you can take is to mark the 180-day date on your calendar right away. An early review of your case can help you identify every party that may be responsible before the shortest deadline passes.
