Understanding Your Legal Rights After a TTC Bus Accident
For many Toronto residents, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is an essential part of daily life. Whether commuting to work, school, or running errands, thousands rely on TTC buses every day. However, when a bus accident occurs, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers can suffer serious injuries. If you were injured in a TTC bus accident, you may be wondering: Can you sue the TTC for your injuries?
The short answer is yes, but pursuing compensation in a claim against the TTC can be more complex than a typical motor vehicle accident. At Smitiuch Injury Law, our experienced Toronto bus accident lawyers understand the challenges involved in TTC bus accident cases and are prepared to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of TTC Bus Accidents
TTC buses operate throughout Toronto’s busy streets and are involved in collisions for many reasons, including:
- Driver negligence: Bus drivers may cause accidents due to speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, or making unsafe lane changes.
- Sudden stops or starts: Passengers can be thrown forward or backward when a bus driver brakes or accelerates abruptly.
- Collisions with other vehicles: A TTC bus may hit a car, truck, or motorcycle due to driver error or road conditions.
- Pedestrian or cyclist accidents: Buses making turns or pulling into stops may strike pedestrians or cyclists.
- Mechanical failures: Poorly maintained buses may have brake failures, steering issues, or tire blowouts that lead to crashes.
Regardless of the cause, an accident involving a TTC bus can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, concussions, and chronic pain conditions.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a TTC Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a TTC bus accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- The TTC: As a public transit provider, the TTC has a duty to ensure its buses are operated safely and properly maintained.
- Bus operators: If driver negligence caused the crash, the TTC can be held accountable for the driver’s actions.
- Other drivers: If another vehicle’s reckless or negligent actions contributed to the accident, that driver may share liability.
- Bus manufacturers: If a mechanical defect led to the crash, the manufacturer of the defective part may be liable.
Smitiuch Injury Law has extensive experience handling complex cases involving the TTC. In one case, our law firm secured a $1.6 million verdict for a client who was rear-ended by a TTC bus, far exceeding the defendant’s pre-trial offer of $100,000.
How to Sue the TTC for Injuries
Filing a claim against the TTC requires navigating specific legal procedures. If you were injured in a TTC bus accident, it’s important to follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, seeing a doctor ensures they are properly documented.
- Report the accident: If you were a passenger, report the incident to the TTC. If the accident involved another vehicle, file a police report.
- Document everything: Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, witness contact information, and medical records.
- Contact a bus accident lawyer: The TTC is a large organization with its own legal team. Having an experienced bus accident lawyer on your side ensures your rights are protected.
- File a notice of claim: In Ontario, claims against municipalities, including the TTC, require formal notice within 10 days of the accident.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If you have been injured in a TTC bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, physiotherapy, medications, etc.)
- Loss of income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
Every case is different, and the amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Smitiuch Injury Law Is Here to Help
Suing the TTC for injuries can be an uphill battle, but you don’t have to face it alone. The legal team at Smitiuch Injury Law has a proven history of success in cases involving TTC bus accidents. We are committed to securing the maximum compensation for our clients and are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a TTC bus accident, contact us for a free case evaluation. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
"They were very good at communicating, explaining what was going on and they got me top money from the big bad insurance company. I don’t know what my family would have done if I didn’t hire a personal injury lawyer. I highly recommend Mike and his team!" — A.C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
