Each year, thousands of people are injured or lose their lives due to road accidents. As an experienced personal injury attorney in McKinney, Joe Lucé has helped many victims secure the compensation they deserve. But while some traffic accidents are fairly easy to explain, others are much more complex. For instance, a public transportation accident is one type of personal injury claim you might not have considered.
Public Transportation Accidents in North Texas and the United States
Millions of people use public transportation each day. For some, it’s their own means of transportation – to and from work or school. Each day, we hear about an accident in some faraway city. The lives lost, and any injuries, are typically due to an inexperienced or distracted driver. In comparison to your typical vehicular accident, public transportation accidents account for around 1.5% of all traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. That may seem low, but consider the fact that over 500 people are killed nationwide each year in such accidents.
Duty of Care
Public transportation carriers have a fundamental duty of care to their clientele. This duty of care includes taking reasonable precautions to keep all customers safe and uninjured. Typically, precautions involve keeping all exits safe, clear of any obstructions and well-lit; providing security; and ensuring operators are qualified and trained. Often, unqualified drivers are the primary cause of an accident.
When a carrier fails to provide this duty of care, they’re liable for any injuries or lives lost. At this stage, you should hire a personal injury attorney.
Transportation Injuries
When a passenger suffers an injury, they or their relatives are entitled to compensation. No carrier can ensure that each passenger is 100% safe, though. However, it is required that public transportation takes all reasonable precautions to ensure injury or victimization does not happen. To recover damages, you need to prove negligence or failure to mitigate risk.
You’ll want to contact an attorney promptly. Doing so will increase your chances of receiving damages for injuries or property damage. Of course, you’ll require proof. Eyewitness testimonies, police reports, and medical reports will help your case immensely.
Main Causes of Public Transportation Accidents
Public transit accidents are caused by many factors, with some being the fault of the carrier and others being caused by external factors. Some carrier and external factors include the following.
- Poorly maintained vehicles and equipment
- Negligent or reckless driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Poor road conditions
- Failure to follow safety procedures
- Hazardous weather conditions
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Public Transit Accident
If you are involved in an accident, your safety – and that of your fellow passengers – is a priority. In addition, gathering information at the time of the accident would also help with any possible lawsuits and claims for compensation. Here are some steps to take.
- Call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
- Get a medical examination even if you have no visible injuries.
- Take photos of the scene and document the events.
- Speak to an attorney before agreeing to anything with an insurance company.
- Continue to document ongoing medical bills, lost income, health issues and so on.
Types of Public Transportation Accidents
Public transportation (or mass transit) covers a range of transportation services, including buses, trains, airplanes, subway trains and taxis. However, whether a carrier’s ownership is public or private can make a difference in a lawsuit. Your personal injury or wrongful death lawyer will investigate this and the many other aspects of an accident to build a strong case.
McKinney Personal Injury Attorney for Public Transportation Accidents
Lucé Law, PC offers legal representation for car, motorcycle, truck and public transportation accidents in North Texas. If you have been involved in an auto accident and want legal advice, contact our McKinney law office now. For assistance, call (972) 632-1300 or request a free legal consultation today.
