Public Transportation Accidents

In the United States, accidents involving public transportation entities such as taxis, buses, and trains are not rare, and many people suffer injuries during the commute. These carriers offer services to the general public, therefore, need a license of a regulatory government body to operate. Hence, they are required to exercise the highest degree of care to ensure the safe travel of their passengers.

Causes of Public Transportation Accidents

There are numerous reasons that can lead to an accident involving public transportation, most of which usually involves negligence. Some of the common causes include:

• Driver fatigue.

• Driver impairment.

• Failing to adhere to traffic laws.

• Faulty vehicle maintenance.

• Speeding.

Liability Rules Regarding Public Transportation Accidents

Public transportation is mostly owned by a municipality, thus different liability rules apply to accidents involving taxis, buses, and trains. The procedure of the claim is generally longer compared to conventional auto accidents involving cars and trucks. The laws that govern these types of lawsuits are referred to as State Tort Claims and usually, fall under State Tort Claims Acts.

The amount of compensation will vary from one case to another, but there are certain limitation and caps applicable in case of public transportation i.e. many states allow a maximum amount of $100,000 to be paid as compensation, despite the number of damages it caused. Furthermore, the statute of limitations in cases involving public transportation accidents are much briefer, as shorter as six months or even less.

Why Hire A Lawyer?

If you were involved in a public transportation accident, it is highly important that you seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure that your legal rights remain protected. Moreover, as the accident cases pertaining to public transportation entities are different from conventional auto accidents, there is a specific procedure to initiate a lawsuit, thus having a competent personal injury lawyer is essential to pursue a claim.

If you did not sustain critical injuries, you should take photos of the scene of the incident from different angles, showing any personal injuries or damages to the property. You should also obtain a copy of the police report and contact information from the witnesses if any. This will enable your personal injury lawyer to devise a solid case against the negligent party and help you obtain maximum compensation for your loss and sufferings.

If you wish to find out more about public transportation accidents or schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.