How Public Transit Accidents Differ From Car Accidents
Taking public transit is usually one of the safest ways to travel in Alberta. But when a collision, sudden stop, or boarding incident causes injury, passengers often discover that **public transit claims work very differently from regular car accident claims.**
Unlike private vehicle crashes, accidents involving buses, LRT, or municipal shuttles are governed by special laws and procedures — including strict notice requirements and government-related liability rules.
As Alberta personal-injury lawyers experienced in transit and motor-vehicle claims, we explain how public transit accidents differ from typical car crashes, what to expect after an injury, and how to protect your right to compensation.
This guide covers:
Who You Can Sue
In a regular car accident, injured people usually sue the **at-fault driver's insurer.** In public transit cases, however, the responsible party is often a **municipality or transit authority** — such as Calgary Transit, Edmonton Transit Service, or a regional bus contractor.
Shorter Deadlines and Notice Requirements
One of the biggest differences between transit and car accidents is **timing**.
21-Day Notice Requirement
Injured passengers must give **written notice within 21 days** of the accident. The notice **must include** the **date, time, and location** of the incident, and a **brief description** of the injuries and how they occurred.
Consequences of Missing Deadline
Failing to meet the deadline can bar your claim unless there's a reasonable excuse and the city isn't prejudiced by the delay.
Private Car Accident Claims: Have a standard **two-year limitation period** — much longer than the 21-day notice requirement for municipal vehicles.
Steps to Take After a Transit Accident
Immediate action is crucial to protect your rights and preserve evidence in a transit accident claim.
Report the Incident Immediately
Report the incident immediately to the driver or station supervisor.
Call 911 if Seriously Hurt
Call 911 if you're seriously hurt or require medical attention.
Take Photos
Take photos of the scene, bus number, stop location, and any visible injuries.
Get Witness Information
Get contact information for witnesses or other passengers.
Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care and keep all records and receipts.
File Written Notice
File written notice to the municipality within 21 days.
Contact an Alberta Personal-Injury Lawyer
Contact an Alberta personal-injury lawyer to handle communication with the city's insurer.
How a Lawyer Helps with Transit Accident Claims
An experienced Alberta personal-injury lawyer provides essential expertise to navigate the complexities of municipal transit claims.
Filing 21-Day Notice Correctly
Ensuring your written notice to the municipality includes all required information and is filed within the strict 21-day deadline.
Securing Surveillance and Maintenance Records
Requesting bus-video footage, LRT surveillance, driver logs, training records, and maintenance reports through formal legal channels.
Handling City Legal Department Correspondence
Managing all communications with city legal departments and transit authorities on your behalf.
Quantifying Damages
Using medical and financial evidence to calculate all damages, including future care costs and lost earning capacity.
Negotiating or Litigating
Negotiating fair compensation with municipal lawyers or proceeding to court if necessary to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Public transit accidents differ from ordinary car crashes in almost every way — shorter deadlines, higher proof standards, and complex municipal procedures. But if negligence caused your injury, you still have the right to fair compensation.
Get medical attention immediately.
Report the incident and document details.
File timely notice with the city.
Contact a lawyer experienced in Alberta municipal claims.
Still have questions?
Contact us today — your consultation is free.