It’s a sad reality that accidents that occur while utilizing public transportation can be life-altering, and in worst cases, even fatal. It’s also important to know that public transportation providers have a legal obligation to keep the general public and its passengers safe. If they fall short in that responsibility and you become injured as a result, you may be entitled to financial compensation. It’s crucial to act quickly if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, as important evidence can quickly diminish. It’s important to speak with an experienced Raleigh public transportation accident attorney who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
At Tatum & Atkinson, we are known as ‘the Heavy Hitters’ and we offer free consultations with one of our experienced attorneys. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and let us help you navigate this difficult time.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Injured Using Public Transportation
Thousands of people take a bus, train, or subway to get around town each day. These are all examples of public transportation – a convenient way for people to travel to their destinations on a set schedule and at a set fare. Public transportation is a popular way for people to get to work or school, go to the doctor, or run errands. If you’re a senior, student, veteran, or have a disability, you may even be eligible for discounted fares. But accidents do happen, and if you’re injured while using public transportation, the carrier could be held accountable. It’s good to be aware of your rights and options in case anything goes wrong.
Public transportation is generally considered a secure and practical means of transportation. According to data from the FTA and NHTSA, taking a bus for public transportation is ten times safer than driving a car. Driving around in the city can be a real hassle, especially when you’re trying to find a parking spot. Public transportation eliminates that stress and gives you a break from navigating through traffic. But, when you choose to use public transportation, it’s important to remember that the carrier has a responsibility to keep you safe during your ride. They need to take the necessary steps to protect their passengers from harm. However, even with these precautions, accidents can still happen. There are many things that can contribute to an accident involving public transportation such as bad weather, problems with the vehicles, lack of proper maintenance, and more. It’s always good to be aware of your rights and options in case something does happen.
If you have been injured while taking public transit, you should take the following actions:
Go to a Doctor
Receiving medical attention is the first thing you need to do following an accident. You will be treated by paramedics who arrive on site. Try to collect names if an ambulance takes you to the emergency room. Never leave the hospital before the doctor gives the all-clear. It’s possible that you have internal damage or a concussion that won’t become apparent until the shock wears off. Take note of every instruction your doctor gives you. Printouts, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments will all be provided. Ensure that you fill the prescriptions and take them as directed. Even if you feel well and believe that the appointment is unnecessary, keep it. You don’t want the defense to argue in court that you made your injuries worse by disobeying the doctor’s orders. It is pertinent that you receive a medical evaluation from a professional following an accident; otherwise, the integrity of your claim may be compromised.
Give the Authorities your Information.
Your contact information must be available to whichever agency is in charge of the crash investigation, ensure you comply. Respond to their inquiries, obtain a case number, and confirm that you have the investigator’s contact details. The public transportation provider must be held accountable in order for a complaint to be filed against them. You will want to stay up to date with the information that the investigator finds. If a driver for a public transportation company was intoxicated, driving while texting, or operating the controls while texting, the carrier would be held responsible. They would also be responsible if you discovered that their equipment failed the inspection, but they didn’t remove the bus or rail from service. You may file a lawsuit against them for lost wages, emotional distress, medical expenses, and other damages if they are found to be at fault.
Take Your Time to Heal
It’s unsettling to lose your money for a few days or weeks, but it’s crucial that you take the time to return to optimal health following an accident. Spend the time you require on your physical and mental recovery. Because of your anxiety, using public transportation could be difficult for you. Keep track of the expenses if you have to use taxis or have a friend or family member drive you for the time being. Following the accident, you might not be able to avoid experiencing anxiety and panic episodes. Visit a counselor with experience in PTSD therapy as soon as you can if you do notice anxiety beginning to infiltrate your daily activities. The sooner you begin a treatment program, the simpler it will be to learn how to spot panic symptoms and employ proper techniques to address them.
Keep a record of your missed work hours, counseling expenses, and any alternative transportation costs. Be thorough, and preserve records and journal entries that you can use as proof if necessary. If you file a personal injury claim against the public transportation provider and they are determined to be at fault, you may be able to collect the money you lost in income and in paying medical expenses.
Public Transportation Accident in Raleigh
In Raleigh, thousands of people use the roads and railroads every day, increasing the possibility of a severe accident. Here are a few of the most typical types of accidents involving public transit in Raleigh:
Accidents involving buses: The GoRaleigh bus system in Raleigh has more than 30 routes, including a historic trolley line, the downtown R-Line, two loop lines that service the campus of Wake Forest University, and the Wolfline for the North Carolina State University campus. Not to mention charter buses, school buses, and buses for airports. Raleigh bus accidents can be caused by bad weather, poor upkeep, or failure to replace broken parts.
Accidents involving trains: Derailments or accidents with other objects or moving vehicles can have tragic and occasionally fatal consequences. They frequently occur as a result of mechanical failure, operator fatigue, or operator error.
Accidents in a taxi, limo, or shuttle: These accidents can result in significant injuries just like any other auto accident. Many of these accidents happen because people are driving unsafely, such as by going too fast or ignoring stop signs or other traffic signals.
Not all accidents on public transit are catastrophic in nature, injuring multiple people at a time. If a passenger is let off a bus in front of a pothole or another hazardous area, they may become injured. Contact an experienced public transportation accident lawyer to discuss the unique circumstances surrounding your case and to explore your legal options.
Tatum & Atkinson, the Heavy Hitters, Are Here to Help After You’ve Been Hurt
When it comes to accidents involving public transportation, things can get pretty complicated. There may be multiple parties who could be held responsible, such as the driver, the transit authority, outside maintenance companies, and others. It can be tough to navigate through the legal process and figure out who should be held accountable for your damages. That’s where an experienced public transportation accident lawyer comes in. They know how to identify the individuals who could be held responsible and can guide you through the process of filing your claim.
Also, sometimes it can be difficult to prove certain cases involving public transit. For example, take an injury caused by an abrupt stop. The victim must show that the stop was unexpected and unnecessary, not an usual one. Having an attorney who can investigate the situation and gather the necessary evidence will be crucial in cases like this.If you’re dealing with an accident involving public transportation, it’s important to have an expert on your side.
When it comes to navigating the legal system, a Raleigh public transportation accident attorney can help you determine whether your claim must go through an insurance company or be filed with other parties, such as a local government or a school district, and how long you have to pursue compensation. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney in North Carolina, such as those at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ you can rest assured that you will receive the best outcome for your case. Call (800) 529-0804 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation today.
