Public transportation can be a convenient and economical way to get around, especially in crowded environments like big cities. There are several forms of public transport, such as subways and city buses.
While public transport is generally safe, accidents still happen. Sometimes, these accidents leave victims seriously injured. If you or a loved one was the victim of an accident while using public transportation, you could be eligible for financial compensation.
A Pintas & Mullins Law Firm representative is available to answer your questions. Call (800) 794-0444 today to schedule a consultation with a team member.
Methods of Public Transportation
Public transportation is any form of transportation available to the public. These systems are generally funded, maintained, and operated by local, state, and federal governments. Public transport comes in many forms and offers rides on set routes for a determined cost, or “fare.” Some common methods of transportation available to the general public include:
- Buses
- Trains
- Subways
- Trolleys
- Shuttle Buses
- Gondolas
- Ferries
- Water Taxis
- Cable Cars
- Trams
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation released data that estimated approximately 10.2 billion trips are taken annually on a form of public transportation. Public transportation can be especially useful in urban areas, where population density and high volumes of commuters are present. However, as with any time you get in a moving vehicle, there are risks associated with public transportation.
Why Public Transportation Can Be Dangerous
While public transport is useful and safe for millions of people daily in the United States, public transport can sometimes be dangerous. Accidents, crimes, mechanical issues, and other factors pose a real threat to those using public transportation. Some ways in which public transportation can lead to danger include:
- Unsafe waiting areas: Bus stops, train platforms, and other designated waiting areas are sometimes unsafe. This can be a maintenance oversight, such as failure to plow a bus stop after a snowstorm, creating slippery conditions, or perhaps a malfunctioning guardrail that puts people in danger of falling. Waiting areas can also be unsafe due to their location. If nefarious activity is going on near you while you are waiting for a train or a bus, your safety could be at risk.
- Mechanical malfunction: Like all machines, buses, trains, trolleys, and other public transport vehicles can sometimes fail mechanically. Brake failure, a door that won’t close, or a train that goes off-track are examples. It is the responsibility of the governing agency to appropriately maintain its fleet of public transport vehicles on a regular basis.
- Accidents: Just because you are on a train, bus, or other form of public transport, it does not guarantee that you are safe from an accident. While the drivers and operators of these types of vehicles require special training and regulation, mistakes can still happen. Public transport vehicles are also subject to the same hazards as other vehicles on the road, like driver distraction, poor weather, and other factors that can lead to accidents.
- Criminal activity: Criminal activity can happen anywhere, including on public transit. Theft, violent crimes, and sexual assault are not uncommon in public transport vehicles or waiting areas. A sparsely populated subway car or secluded bus stop can give criminals and perpetrators the isolated environment they are seeking to commit crimes.
- Danger to pedestrians and other vehicles: You do not necessarily have to use public transport to be injured or experience property loss. Thousands of pedestrians and cyclists are killed each year by traffic accidents that can involve buses, trolley cars, and other means of public transport, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You can also be driving a personal vehicle that is involved in an accident with a much larger bus, for example.
For a free legal consultation with a Public Transport Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Liability in Public Transportation Accidents
If you were in a public transportation accident, multiple parties could potentially be responsible. In most cases, the government runs the mode of transportation. If the accident could have been the operator’s fault, you could potentially file a claim against the local government who runs the fleet.
Another way in which the government could be at fault is if they poorly maintained the vehicle, or waiting area, which led to an accident.
If the accident was due to another car driver, they might be liable for paying the costs of the injuries you suffered. Having a Los Angeles public transport accident lawyer on your side might be beneficial to you. They might be able to help you assign liability and tell you who the best person to file a claim against is.
You can never be too safe. It is important to stay aware of the various forms of public transport that operate on the roads and follow standard guidelines for safe driving, walking, and use of the road and surrounding areas.
If you or someone you love experienced an injury, property loss, or death while using public transport, you could be eligible to take legal action and collect compensation for your losses. A Los Angeles public transport accident lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm might be able to help you determine your legal options. Call today to speak with a team member about a free consultation.
Los Angeles Public Transport Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Taking Legal Action
If you were the victim of an accident, you could be suffering in many ways. While you are picking up the pieces of your life and focusing on your recovery, remember that, in some cases, there is financial compensation available for public transport accident victims. If you are considering filing a claim against the responsible parties, understanding your legal options can help you make the decision that is right for you.
If you would like to learn more about what you can do next, the Los Angeles public transport lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm might be able to help you. A team member is standing by to discuss your case in detail. Call (800) 794-0444 today for more information.
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