Navigating the Complexity of Mass Transit Accidents: What You Need to Know
The vast majority of public transit trips in New York occur uneventfully, but accidents and injuries do happen sometimes. If you have sustained an injury on public transit, you may wonder who is responsible and how to recover compensation. Here is what you need to know if you have an injury from an accident on mass transit.
Types of Transit Accidents
Below are some of the most common types of mass transit accidents New Yorkers encounter.
- Bus Accidents – Bus collisions and rollover accidents are extremely dangerous and may cause multi-car accidents.
- Subway Accidents – Train derailments, train collisions, and platform falls are all risks associated with mass rail transit.
- Pedestrian Accidents – Pedestrians and bystanders may sustain injuries when a bus or metro car strikes them.
Who Is Liable for Mass Transit Accidents?
Perhaps the most relevant question for the purposes of a mass transit accident claim is: who is liable for accidents that happen on public transportation? Liability in these cases is complicated and can involve several negligent parties, including:
- State and local government agencies
- Mass transit operators
- Regional transit authorities
- Public vehicle manufacturers
- Third-party entities
For instance, if you were injured in a bus accident because a wheel failed, you may be able to go after the bus company for your injuries due to improper maintenance. As another example, if you tripped and fell on a subway platform, the entities that built and maintained the station could be liable. Establishing liability in a mass transit injury action depends on identifying the root cause of the accident, which is why the investigation phase of your claim is so crucial to your case’s success.
Additionally, personal injury claims from mass transit accidents typically involve some government agency, which brings additional complications when recovering compensation. In order to sue a government agency in New York, you must meet strict notice and filing deadlines, or you can lose your eligibility to recover your damages.
How Can an Attorney Help with a Mass Transit Accident Claim?
Mass transit personal injury cases are more complex than a typical personal injury claim between two private citizens. You may have to pursue multiple parties and deal with the intricacies of pursuing action against a government employee or agency. A personal injury attorney can cut through these complexities and find the most viable path for recovering the money you are due. They can investigate your accident, obtain critical medical documentation, and manage any administrative aspect of filing a personal injury claim.
Contact Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, Today
If you have any more questions about the legal nuances of mass transit accidents, contact Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, online or call today for a free case consultation with one of our attorneys in New York City.