Who’s Liable for Injuries Sustained in Public Transportation Accidents?
Public transportation is a wonderful asset for thousands of Americans all across the country. Buses, trains, subways, limousines, metros, taxi cabs, and more are just a few examples of the variety we have to choose from when it comes to public transport. As customers and clients, we generally trust that these choices are safe and reliable; but sometimes unexpected accidents happen.
If someone is injured while using public transportation, who is at-fault for their damages? There can be several outcomes when determining who is liable for accidents such as these. Continue reading to understand all the possible parties that might be liable, under law, for injuries sustained to public transient customers.
Public Transportation Traffic Accidents
When it comes to public transportation, buses are one of the most popular. Tickets are inexpensive, and some buses are complementary to individuals in the community. School buses are also widely used for public school transportation. With the rising popularity of public buses, more and more are on the roads every day. As a result, the number of bus accidents continue to increase each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 300 bus accidents happen every year, all of which resulting in fatalities.
Bus crashes, and other public transport cases, are complicated to litigate. Determining the at-fault party is a bus crash can be tricky because it may be more than one, or none at all. It requires the professional litigation skills and trial experience of a licensed car accident attorney to effectively pursue a bus accident injury lawsuit or claim. If you or someone you loved has recently been injured in a public transportation accident, like buses or taxis, contact a local personal injury lawyer to learn your rights.
Possible At-Fault Parties:
- The Driver
- Management Company
- Other Negligent Vehicles
- Government Entities (If Public)
- Equipment Manufacturers
- City Traffic Management (If Defective Light or Sign)
Common Causes:
- Drunk Driving
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
- Defective Stop Light or Traffic Sign
- Hazardous Weather Conditions
- Reckless or Careless Driving
- Poor Equipment Maintenance
- Treacherous Roads
- Defective Equipment
- Obstruction of Views
- Other Negligent Vehicles on the Road
Traffic accidents, public or not, can happen very suddenly, and usually result in serious injuries and damages to innocent bystanders and drivers. If a person is injured using public transportation as a result of another’s carelessness or negligence, they are entitled to legal compensation for their pain, suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and more.