Chatham Area Transit (CAT) is the public transportation network servicing much of Savannah, GA and the surrounding area. While many people need these public transportation services to get around safely, accidents and injuries sometimes occur.
The CAT network predominantly comprises bus lines, but ferries and paratransit services are also available. As such, an accident might happen on the bus, at a bus stop, on the ferry, or while taking paratransit. Suing for damages is complicated, even in straightforward cases. Depending on your case, you might be able to sue the individuals responsible for causing the accident and the local government agencies in charge of CAT. Remember, suing the government involves additional legal barriers your attorney can help you with. Damages may include economic and non-economic losses, but punitive damages are generally off the table if you are suing the government.
Call our Chatham Area Transit accident and injury attorneys from Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to arrange a free review of your claims and damages.
Common Examples of Accidents and Injuries Involving Chatham Area Transit
The CAT transit system includes bus services, ferry rides, and paratransit vehicles for riders with disabilities. With so many different transportation options available, a wider variety of accidents and injuries are possible.
Bus Accidents
CAT buses provide service all across Savannah. An accident with a CAT bus may be extremely dangerous, as these are extremely heavy and large vehicles traveling at high rates of speed. You might have an accident claim if you were a passenger on a CAT bus in an accident, a driver in another vehicle hit by a CAT bus, or a pedestrian hit by a bus.
Accidents might happen on the road or at stop locations. For example, you could be hit by a CAT bus making an unsafe turn or while waiting at the bus stop. If the CAT bus pulls into a stop too close to the curb, people waiting at the stop might be hit.
Ferry Accidents
CAT also provides ferry services with 4 boats crossing the Savannah River. The Savannah Belles Ferry system connects River Street to Hutchinson Island. While boat travel can be a pleasant alternative to road travel, it can also be dangerous. Remember, there are always drowning risks when traveling by boat. Rough weather conditions might also make water travel unsafe, and CAT should be prepared for such an event to keep travelers safe.
Ferry accidents are not limited to boats. You might be injured while waiting for the ferry to arrive at the dock. Even slip and fall accidents can be very dangerous as you could fall into the water. If conditions around the ferry station and docks are unsafe, passengers might be injured, and Chatham Area Transit might be liable.
CAT Mobility Accidents
CAT offers paratransit services for people with disabilities. This service is referred to as CAT Mobility, and it provides a curb-to-curb transportation service. Riders must make reservations to secure a spot on a CAT Mobility van.
These vehicles contain safety equipment specifically designed for people with disabilities. For example, there are spots for people in wheelchairs to secure their chairs in the van, so they are not jostled about the vehicle in transit. If safety equipment on board fails, riders might be injured. Alternatively, the CAT Mobility driver might cause an accident and injure passengers onboard and people outside the vehicle, like other drivers or pedestrians.
How to Sue for Damages After an Accident with Chatham Area Transit
Suing for damages is sometimes very challenging in accident cases involving CAT vehicles. First, our Chatham Area Transit accident and injury attorneys can help you evaluate individuals for liability. Next, we will consider suing the government, since the city operates CAT.
When filing a lawsuit, we should think about the person or people directly responsible for the accident. For example, in a bus accident, the bus driver might be directly responsible for the crash. The ferry operator might be responsible if you were injured in a ferry accident.
More importantly, we should consider suing the government. Public transportation agencies are often considered arms of the city or county government, possibly even the state in some cases. You must abide by certain rules and deadlines when suing a government entity or agency. Before filing the case, we must submit a notice of your claims to the appropriate government authority. In this case, probably the authorities at CAT.
When suing a local government entity, you must serve notice of your claims no later than 6 months after the accident, according to O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5(b). This is a very tight deadline. Many injured victims are still recovering 6 months after their accident. An attorney can help you submit the notice of your claim on time. If you are suing the State of Georgia, you have to submit the notice of your claim no later than 12 months after the accident, according to O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26(a)
Damages Available in Chatham Area Transit Accidents
After an accident with CAT, you may be able to claim significant damages for your injuries and losses. Your compensatory damages may be quite high. Economic losses often include expensive medical bills, property damage, and lost income from missing work due to injuries. Non-economic injuries may be recovered for pain, suffering, and other painful personal experiences.
While damages may be significant, the laws in Georgia limit how much compensation can be recovered when suing a government entity. According to O.C.G.A. § 36-92-2(a), local government entities or agencies waive their sovereign immunity in cases involving motor vehicle accidents (e.g., CAT vehicles). However, this waiver only extends to a certain amount of damages.
For accidents on or after January 1, 2008, the government may be liable for up to $500,000 for bodily injuries or death per person and $700,000 for multiple people. It may also be liable for up to $50,000 in property damage.
Contact Our Chatham Area Transit (CAT) Accident and Injury Lawyers for Advice Today
Call our Chatham Area Transit accident and injury attorneys from Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to arrange a free review of your claims and damages.
