Public transportation is a popular and generally safe way to get around, whether by bus, subway, or another transit system. However, accidents do happen, and when they do, the injuries can be severe. Because public transit carries multiple passengers at once, a sudden stop, a slip and fall, or an unexpected impact can result in significant harm. When an injury occurs, the question becomes—who is responsible for the damages?
Understanding Liability in Public Transportation Accidents
Liability in public transportation accidents can be complex. Injuries may result from the driver’s negligence, another passenger’s actions, or even a third party, such as another motorist. In most cases, the transportation provider—whether a private company or a government entity—can be held liable, but proving negligence is crucial.
For example, imagine you are on a bus, and the driver suddenly slams on the brakes to avoid a reckless driver. You are thrown forward and sustain injuries. While this may seem like the bus driver’s fault, they were acting to prevent a more serious collision. However, if the driver was distracted or drowsy, or if the bus company failed to maintain safe conditions, they could be held responsible.
The Challenges of Filing a Claim Against Public Transportation
Many public transportation systems are owned by government agencies, which makes filing a claim more complicated than suing a private entity. Government entities often have strict deadlines and procedural requirements for injury claims, and any misstep could lead to a denied claim. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
If you’ve been injured on public transportation, here’s what you should do:
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident site and your injuries.
- Gather Witness Statements: If other passengers saw what happened, get their contact information.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first, and medical records serve as crucial evidence.
- Consult a Skilled Attorney: Navigating a public transportation injury claim requires legal expertise, especially when dealing with government agencies or large transit companies.
Why Choose Herrman & Herrman Personal Injury Lawyers?
At Herrman & Herrman, we have extensive experience handling complex personal injury cases, including those involving public transportation accidents. We understand the challenges of proving negligence and dealing with government entities, and we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
When you choose us, you benefit from:
- Decades of Personal Injury Experience: We know how to navigate the legal system effectively.
- Aggressive Representation: We don’t back down against insurance companies or government agencies.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured while using public transportation, don’t try to handle the legal process alone. Contact Herrman & Herrman today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve!
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
