Public transportation has become more widespread in the United States due to more efficient ground transportation systems and higher fuel costs. However, this has also lead to an increase in the number of accidents on public transportation in which passengers are injured. However, if you are injured while using public transportation, you may find it more difficult to determine who is liable for your injuries without the help of a personal injury attorney.
Liability After an Accident
The party liable for the accident could be the public transportation company, the driver, or another party who caused the accident. For example, if a commercial truck collided with a bus, the truck driver might be liable. You will need help from a personal injury attorney to get to the bottom of why your accident occurred.
The driver operating the bus might be negligent. This could be due to improper training and the employer may have vicarious liability. The bus might lack adequate safety equipment or may not have appropriate safety procedures.
In other cases, another passenger might be responsible for the accident. If a passenger is causing a commotion that prevents the driver from properly operating the bus, the passenger might be held responsible.
What to Do After the Accident
If you feel like you're too injured to do anything, it's a good idea to wait until you can be taken to the hospital to receive medical treatment. To receive compensation for your physical injuries, you will need to prove that you were injured and you will also need to prove that your injuries are directly connected to the accident.
Both businesses and government agencies that operate public transportation must go above and beyond to make sure that their vehicles are safe for passengers. Negligence can lead to expensive fines in addition to civil litigation.
Litigation
Regardless of who is responsible, you will want to ask for help from a personal injury lawyer when seeking compensation for your injuries. Filing against the US government can be more difficult because there is often a time limit placed on you when filing a claim and there might be limits regarding how much you may receive in compensation.
However, you may still be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses and for any lost wages as a result of the injuries you suffered after your accident. And with a private company, your personal injury attorney will assist you in filing a claim.
