Buses, trains, planes, and other mass transit vehicles are usually safe, but accidents can still happen and lead to physical pain and financial concerns. If you or a loved one were injured in this way, our Fort Washington mass transit accident lawyers can investigate the facts, determine who is liable for the crash, and pursue financial compensation if negligence was involved. It is important that you work with a respected personal injury attorney who is compassionate, while also being fiercely committed to fighting for every bit of compensation you are owed.
What is a Mass Transit Accident?
Forms of mass transit can include many different types of vehicles that carry multiple people at once, such as:
- Buses
- Commuter trains
- Light rail
- Taxis
- Subways
- Streetcars
- Ferries
- Water taxis
- Paratransit vehicles for disabled individuals
In our region, the commuter trains of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) are a common way of getting from place to place.
Transportation with any of these vehicles is normally safe, but mistakes happen and travellers can be seriously injured when negligence causes an accident. Derailments, collisions, equipment failures, and other factors can lead to dangerous conditions and devastating injuries. Our mass transit accident attorneys based in Fort Washington can investigate the crash, find out who was at fault, and pursue damages for their injured clients.
Common Causes of Mass Transit Accidents
Mass transit accidents can have many different causes. Some common reasons for these accidents might include:
- Improper training
- Failure to follow safety standards under federal or state law
- Drowsy driving (at times due to overworked drivers)
- Impairment by drugs or alcohol
- Driver error
- Lack of security personnel
- Failure to maintain safety inspections for mass transit vehicles
- Defective equipment due to negligent manufacturers
When a bus, train, or other commuter vehicle crashes, the ultimate cause might not be obvious at first. Determining liability for a mass transit accident can involve expert analysis and complex evidence. Those injured in any type of commuter accident should discuss their claim with our mass transit lawyers in Fort Washington with a proven track record handling these types of complex cases.
Legal Claims Against Government Entities
Mass transit accident lawsuits are different from other vehicle accident claims, as special rules apply to government-operated vehicles. A personal injury lawsuit against SEPTA, for example, must be filed under a shorter deadline than standard vehicle accident lawsuits. Additionally, special notice must usually be given to a government entity before a claim can proceed or a lawsuit can be filed. Certain injury claims involving railroads, cruise ships, or aviation services might also be subject to federal and state laws that apply to those industries.
Unlike a typical car accident claim, liability might not involve the driver only, but multiple individuals and agencies responsible for the mass transit vehicle. This tends to bring in multiple insurance companies, business operators, and government entities each seeking to point fingers at the other. Our attorneys are accustomed to these battles over liability and damages, and can handle the fight on your behalf.
Contact Our Mass Transit Accident Lawyer in Fort Washington Today
An accident involving multiple passengers can be devastating for all those involved. If you or a loved one were injured while riding a bus, train, or other mass transit vehicle, you could be entitled to financial compensation if negligence was involved. At Friedman Schuman Layser, our Fort Washington mass transit accident attorneys can help investigate and fight for fair compensation in your claim. Reach out now to schedule a consultation.