Accidents involving DART buses or trains can cause serious, even life-altering injuries. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver hit by a DART vehicle, you may be entitled to financial compensation if the transit system or its employees acted negligently. But filing a claim against a public transportation authority in Texas isn’t the same as a standard car accident case—there are special rules, tight deadlines, and specific procedures involved.
If you’ve been injured in a DART-related accident in Dallas, Fort Worth, or the surrounding areas, it takes an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights.
Why Choose Rochelle McCullough for Your DART Accident Case
Accidents involving public transportation require a legal team that understands the complexities of suing a government entity—and how to move quickly before deadlines expire. At Rochelle McCullough LLP, we’ve represented injured individuals across Dallas–Fort Worth in high-stakes claims involving DART buses, trains, and transit facilities.
What sets our firm apart:
- Extensive experience handling government liability and transit-related injury claims
- In-depth understanding of Texas Tort Claims Act requirements and procedures
- Skilled investigators to uncover policy violations, safety failures, and driver negligence
- Personalized case management from attorneys—not case managers
- No fee unless we win compensation on your behalf
We know what it takes to stand up to public entities and their insurance carriers, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Causes DART-Related Accidents?
Like other commercial and public carriers, DART owes a heightened duty of care to passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. However, accidents can still happen due to:
- Operator negligence: Distracted or fatigued drivers, improper braking, speeding, or running red lights
- Failure to yield to pedestrians or cyclists
- Mechanical failures: Brake issues, poorly maintained vehicles, malfunctioning train doors
- Unsafe stops: Picking up or dropping off passengers in high-traffic or poorly lit areas
- Slips and falls on buses or platforms due to wet floors or abrupt stops
- Train derailments or collisions with other vehicles at intersections
Because DART is a public entity, these cases often involve not only questions of fault but also compliance with government claim procedures.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a DART Accident?
Liability in a DART-related incident may fall on one or more parties, including:
- DART and its operators: For negligent driving, poor training, or failure to maintain equipment
- Vehicle maintenance contractors: If third-party service providers failed to repair or inspect the vehicle properly
- Manufacturers: If a defect in the bus, rail system, or onboard safety equipment contributed to the accident
- Other drivers: In multi-vehicle crashes where a non-DART vehicle caused or worsened the incident
Because these claims involve a government agency, you must follow strict procedures, including providing notice of your claim within a limited timeframe.
How Is a DART Claim Different From a Standard Injury Case?
Filing a claim against DART means pursuing compensation from a government entity. In Texas, this falls under the Texas Tort Claims Act, which limits how and when injured parties can sue public agencies.
Key differences include:
- Shorter deadlines: You typically have just six months to file formal notice of your claim.
- Damage caps: Compensation may be limited under state law, depending on the number of claimants and the severity of injury.
- Higher burden of proof: You must show the DART employee was acting within the scope of their duties and that negligence directly caused the injury.
- Different procedures: These claims often involve internal investigations, specific filing formats, and additional red tape.
Missing a step—or waiting too long—could result in your claim being denied entirely.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If your claim is successful, you may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Follow-up care, rehabilitation, and therapy
- Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or loss of mobility
- Property damage (e.g., damage to your car, bike, or phone)
However, state laws may place limits on how much you can recover in a claim against a public agency like DART. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and work to maximize your recovery within those limits.
Talk to a DART Accident Lawyer in Dallas–Fort Worth
Injuries involving public transportation can be complicated—but you don’t have to navigate the system alone. If you’ve been hurt in a DART accident, a knowledgeable attorney can help you file the required claims paperwork, investigate what went wrong, and fight for the compensation you need to recover. Contact Rochelle McCullough today for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a special claim form for a DART injury?
Yes. Since DART is a government entity, you must submit a formal notice of claim—often within six months of the incident. This is different from filing a lawsuit and must follow specific requirements.
What if the DART operator was off-duty?
If the operator was not acting within the scope of their employment, DART may deny liability. However, other parties may also be held responsible. A legal investigation can determine the correct path forward.
Can I still file a claim if I was a pedestrian or a cyclist?
Yes. You don’t have to be a passenger to file a DART-related injury claim. Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers injured by DART buses or trains may still qualify for compensation.