When you hear about a public transportation accident on the news, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? You might think of a bus crash, a train derailing, or some other sort of disaster. With these types of public transit accidents, it’s not only major collisions with other vehicles or objects but also any incident that causes injuries to passengers.
Buses, trains, subways, and taxis are all modes of transportation that can be involved in these types of accidents. Even at a station, non-collision events such as slips, trips, and falls are considered under the umbrella of public transportation accidents.
Types of Public Transportation Accidents
In general, public transportation accidents are classified into the following categories:
Public Transportation Collisions
A collision with public transportation involves any of these vehicles colliding with any vehicle or object. Buses, subways, or trains can crash into pedestrians, cyclists, or even a stationary object like a concrete wall or median.
Non-Collision Incidents
Public transportation accidents can still occur even without a crash. Passengers can fall down when a bus brakes suddenly. They may slip on a wet floor in the bus or train station where there are no signs to warn them of the danger.
Equipment Failure
Some public transportation accidents are caused by defects in the transit vehicles. It’s a broad category that addresses everything from mechanical issues to defective handrails.
Derailments
A train or subway that comes off its tracks is a derailment. When this type of public transit accident occurs, passengers may suffer serious injuries.
Rollovers
Rollovers can happen with buses, where the entire bus either tips onto its side or rolls over completely. This type of devastating accident can cause serious harm for anyone on the bus.
Assaults
Public transportation systems have a duty to keep their vehicles and stations safe for passengers. When assaults or other crimes occur, they could be at fault for failing to maintain safe premises.
What Causes Public Transportation Accidents to Happen?
While public transportation accidents don’t happen as frequently as other motor vehicle accidents, they tend to affect more people at once. You’re more likely to see one of these incidents on the news than another type of crash. Here’s why they occur:
Operator Error
Buses, trains, and subways are all helmed by operators, and while these people are trained and licensed, they may not always be paying attention. A sleeping operator or one who is busy on their phone has the potential to cause widespread catastrophe. An inexperienced driver may make sudden stops and starts, which can also injure someone.
Failure to Maintain
Public transportation vehicles endure much more wear and tear than ordinary passenger vehicles. Fleets of these vehicles must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to keep them safe and functioning properly. When companies fail to complete these things on a timely schedule or put a vehicle on the road that needs maintenance, they are putting all passengers and the general public in grave danger.
This maintenance also extends to transit system infrastructure, such as a cracked pavement at the bus stop where anyone could get hurt. Faulty handrails would also be seen as a failure to maintain, since passengers hold onto them for support and stability on the ride. If it is loose or missing and someone gets hurt, the entity could face liability.
Speeding and Other Reckless Behaviors
Public transportation needs to adhere to a strict schedule. Sometimes, issues arise that prevent them from being on time. Some operators take it upon themselves to attempt to catch up by speeding or weaving in and out of traffic on the roads. These aggressive maneuvers can all lead to collisions that bring serious harm to many.
Road, Track, or Weather Conditions
Roads should be maintained by the local government to keep them safe for all travelers. On transportation that requires a track, such as a train or subway, it must be taken care of to prevent accidents.
While the weather can’t be controlled, response to its changes is what matters most. For example, a bus driver who speeds through heavy rain is endangering everyone.
What to Do If You’re Riding Public Transportation When an Accident Occurs
Whether you’re taking a scenic train ride out of town or you’re riding the local city bus, it can be incredibly frightening if there’s an accident. Even if you suddenly find yourself injured in a station or the victim of an attack, these steps should be followed:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you are visibly injured, do not hesitate to get immediate medical care. For many in these incidents, they are either too shocked to notice their injuries or assume they’re fine since they can still move their arms and legs, and don’t have visible injuries. Always get medical care, even if you don’t think anything happened to you. You could be very lucky, or you may discover a hidden injury that could have been life-threatening without treatment.
Take Photos
Capture photos and videos of the public transportation accident scene. You should try to get all angles of the location and damage. If you have physical injuries, be sure to document them.
Get Witness Contact Information
Talking to the others involved in the public transportation accident or who saw you get hurt in the station may reveal crucial details. Get their contact information and a statement if possible.
File a Report
Make sure that you file a report with the transit authority. You’ll want a copy of it, and a copy of the report made by the police as well.
Call a Lawyer
When accidents involving public transportation systems occur, there may be red tape blocking you from getting a clear answer. If you are injured in such an event, don’t get stuck trying to find a solution. Instead, contact an Atlanta personal injury lawyer to learn more about your legal options and how these entities can be held liable for your injuries.
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