Mass Transit Accident Overview

A mass transit accident is a daily occurrence in the United States due to the fact that a significant percentage of U.S. citizens utilize mass transit systems on a daily basis. In fact more than $500 billion dollars each year is spent by businesses travelers alone.  A common carrier, which consists of buses, subways, trains, airplanes, cruise ships, etc., is held to the highest “duty of care” standards in the eyes of the law and they are required to transport a paying person and their freight in a safe manner. A transportation company is responsible for the safety of its passengers and is liable for injuries that are sustained on their transportation vehicle.

Often injuries that occur on a common carrier are due to an act or acts of negligence. A mass transit operator requires extensive training and sometimes the training in inadequate. The operator may also be intoxicated on the job, under the influence of drugs, fatigued or distracted.  Also, in some cases equipment is not properly maintained or a manufacturing or design defect causes a malfunction. Other passengers may also cause an accident, but it does not necessarily preclude the mass transit system from liability. It is wise to consult with an attorney experienced in mass transit accidents for advice on pursuing a legal claim, as these cases are often quite complex due to federal oversight and the involvement of more than one potential liable party.

Injuries from a mass transit accident may be caused by an assault, slip and fall accident, robbery, sexual assault, jolts, and electric shock to name a few. Injuries that can result might include whiplash, fractured and broken bones, severe burn injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, traumatic brain injury, abdominal trauma, gunshot wounds, stab wounds and even worse, wrongful death. 

Determining liability for any injuries that are sustained by a passenger in a mass transit accident may require an extensive investigation by your attorney. For example the operator, the mass transit company, a fellow passenger, city, state of federal entity may all be determined to be at least partially liable. Often times a victim faces enormous medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

There are a few important tips for an injury victim to keep in mind. Seek medical care immediately following your accident, whether you believe you are seriously injured or not. Many injuries, such as whiplash, continue to develop over the course of a few days or weeks. Do not speak to an attorney or insurance agent for the liable party. They may ask you to make a formal statement and in the process, ask you leading questions that could inadvertently damage your claim. Get contact information of any witnesses as they may be difficult to track down at a later date. Take pictures of your injuries and of the accident scene. Document in writing everything you can remember about your accident as soon as you are able. It is wise to contact a mass transit attorney to protect your rights.