Public Private Transit Accidents
Train and Bus Accident Lawyer in Gwinnett County
Thousands of people rely on public and private transit as their primary means of transportation. Every month, there are over 800,000 mass transit passenger trips across America, according to the American Public Transportation Association. When an accident occurs, the results can be catastrophic and the damages are massive given the sheer number of people involved. If you were in a mass transit accident, call a train and bus accident lawyer in Gwinnett County at the Law Offices of John Morrison, LLC for help with your case
What types of private and public transit accidents are common in Georgia?
Public and private transit carriers are held to a high duty of care to their passengers. Because they are entrusted with many passengers’ safety, they have an exceptionally high responsibility to take safety measures. Drivers must be thoroughly qualified, the vehicles must be in good repair, and they must meet various safety requirements.
But even with good safety practices, people make errors and accidents can happen at any time.
For example, in May 2015, passengers and other onlookers watched helplessly as a freight train hit a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) bus that was stuck in traffic on railroad tracks. Six people were injured, some seriously. Unfortunately, transit accidents like this are not uncommon. According to Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, in Georgia there were three fatalities and 248 injuries from transit collisions in 2011.
Our firm handles all types of public and transit accident cases for victims in Georgia. Below are just some of the types of cases we can facilitate.
- City/private bus accidents
- MARTA train accidents
- Commuter shuttle accidents
- Airport shuttle accidents
- Passenger van accidents
- Taxi cab accidents
- Private limo accidents
- Plane accidents
- Trains and trolley accidents
- Uber accidents
Am I eligible to file an accident claim for compensation?
When a carrier’s negligence is what caused the accident, victims generally qualify to file a claim and pursue restitution for their losses. When you are a passenger on mass transit, the carrier is legally responsible to take all reasonable safety measures to keep you safe. If they fail to uphold their duty and you are injured as a result, you likely have a viable avenue to seek a settlement.
A transit accident claim and settlement hinges on the concept of negligence. If you and your attorney can compile enough evidence and show that the transit company or driver was negligent in some way, you can likely pursue a claim. Below are a few examples of carrier negligence.
- Hiring unqualified drivers or failing to adequately train them
- Driving while under the influence
- Keeping or allowing obstructions in the aisles
- Breaking the rules of the road, e.g., speeding
- Driving while distracted, e.g., texting while driving
- Defective emergency exit doors
- Breaking regulations set forth by the National Highway TransportationSafety Administration
- Failing to maintain the vehicles’ components and machinery
How do I seek compensation for my injuries?
If you or your loved one were injured in a mass transit accident, call injury attorney John Morrison to discuss how best to move forward and seek recovery. There are a couple of important aspects about these types of accidents that you need to be aware of right off the bat.
Public transit accident caveats:
If the carrier you were using is a mode of public transportation owned by a government entity, it can complicate the case. The government enjoys a certain degree of immunity from liability. If you are still able to file a claim against the agency, there will be very strict time lines and procedures to follow in order to recover damages. We can advise you accordingly.
Time limit:
There is a statute of limitations or time limit on when you can bring a claim after a transit accident. Claims for public transit have an even tighter time limit than for those of private transit. Set up your consultation with our office as soon as possible to get started with your case.
For legal help pursuing the compensation you need and deserve after a serious mass transit accident in Georgia, contact The Law Offices of John Morrison, LLC at 770-951-8900 and schedule a free consultation.