Mass transit can be a wonderful tool for commuters. In fact, many individuals rely on mass transit to get them from place to place. However, when an accident occurs on a train or a bus, the results can be devastating. Accidents involving trains and buses can result in lengthy, complicated courtroom battles. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a mass transit accident, make sure you have an experienced legal team on your side to represent your interests. The mass transit accident attorneys at Friedman Schuman Layser have 40 years of experience providing injured clients with quality legal representation. If you are the victim of a mass transit accident, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
Causes of train & bus accidents
Depending on the severity of the situation, mass transit accidents can result in serious injuries and, in worst-case scenarios, fatalities. Mass transit accidents can occur for any number of reasons. If a train accident occurs, it may be due to:
- Driver negligence
- Speeding
- Sudden stops
- Derailment
- Faulty tracks
- Collision
Bus accidents can also result in serious injuries. Unfortunately, buses may offer less protection than trains since they share the road with other drivers who can be unpredictable and dangerous. In addition, buses do not always require passengers to sit, offering passengers standing room when all of the seats are taken. As a result, those standing passengers may be in further danger. Bus accidents may be caused by:
- Driver negligence
- Improper maintenance
- Other drivers on the road
- Poor weather conditions
What should I do if injured in an accident?
No one expects to have their morning commute interrupted by a mass transit accident. However, if it does happen, it is a good idea to understand what to expect. In Pennsylvania, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA, serves much of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s mass transit needs. If there is an accident, a SEPTA representative will arrive at the scene to hand out claim forms to passengers. These forms may also be found online. SEPTA claim forms will require injured passengers to provide information including:
- Date of incident
- Time of incident
- Location of incident
- Route or property where the incident occurred
- Destination
- Whether you were injured on a bus/train or a property
Mass transit accidents can become very complicated. As a result, it is important to contact an experienced attorney after being injured in a mass transit accident. If you try to negotiate with the company themselves, you may find it very difficult to come to a resolution.
Contact our New Jersey & Pennsylvania Mass Transit accident attorneys
If you were the victim of a train or bus accident, sustained injuries, and have high medical bills, it is important to consult with an attorney. The experienced attorneys at Friedman Schuman Layser can provide you with strong legal representation when facing such significant legal matters. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.