Car Accidents Involving Public Transportation: Liability and Safety Concerns

When accidents involve both private passenger vehicles and public transportation, you are left with a complex labyrinth of potentially liable parties, multiple victims, and multiple types of damage. Figuring out who caused the crash and who is expected to pay for damages is a complicated process, and unfortunately, victims are often left without the compensation they are owed.

This is why you need to work with an attorney with extensive experience in public transportation accidents. At Gardner Law Firm, our team of Biloxi car accident attorneys is here to support you as you pursue compensation. Call us at 228-900-9618 to reach our Biloxi office or at 228-231-3855 to reach our Pascagoula office.

The Complexities of Liability

Liability is a key component of any personal injury claim, but it is especially complicated when public transportation is involved. There are multiple parties involved, all of whom have a vested interest in avoiding liability. Public transportation, including buses, trains, and subways is maintained by different public and private agencies, which means that claims may be subject to different requirements.

In a conventional car accident, there are generally only two parties involved: the two drivers. But in a public transportation accident, you have the private vehicle driver, the driver of the public transportation vehicle, the company responsible for maintenance, and the municipality that owns the transportation company.

Government involvement always complicates liability. Victims must notify the State Claims Commissioner of a claim against the government within one year of the date of injury. However, even when that requirement is met, victims may struggle to recover compensation—in many cases, municipalities have immunity against claims.

Safety Concerns in Public Transportation Crashes

Accidents involving public transportation pose a wide range of risks to people in the community. To start, these accidents often completely shut down the involved public transportation network until the crash scene can be cleaned up. This delays entire transportation schedules and often leads to an increase in traffic as people try to rearrange their travel plans.

Passenger safety is another issue to consider. While many public transportation vehicles are very safe for passengers, injuries are always possible. If there are multiple victims, local emergency rooms can become overrun and struggle to provide fast, high-quality care to those who are critically injured.

Some safety concerns relate to those who operate public transportation vehicles. Being in charge of such a large vehicle is a huge responsibility, as drivers are in charge of the safety of their passengers and others on the road. When drivers are overworked or fatigued, they often struggle to drive safely. Municipalities and private companies must strive to ensure driver safety and encourage appropriate breaks.

Victims’ Legal Rights

Victims of public transportation accidents must have access to legal guidance and support as they decide their next steps. Until they know who is liable and whether or not that party can be held liable for the damage they caused, it is impossible to know whether or not compensation is an option. Passengers involved in public transportation crashes may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists affected by public transportation crashes also have legal rights. These victims often suffer the worst outcomes, since they have much less protection than those in public transportation vehicles.

Remember, the timeline for claims against a government entity is much shorter than the timeline for claims against a private party. You should talk to an attorney as soon as possible after a crash to avoid missing the window for a claim.

Promoting Safety in Public Transportation

Fortunately, there is a big focus on safety in public transportation. Increased safety technology, enhanced driver training programs, and aggressive maintenance schedules all work together to make the road a safer place for everyone. Ongoing education programs strive to teach drivers how to maneuver safely around public transportation.

Injured in a Public Transportation Accident? Call Gardner Law Firm Now

If you or someone you love has been injured in a public transportation crash, time is of the essence. Let’s talk more about your next steps during a free consultation. Set up your free case evaluation now by calling Gardner Law Firm at 228-900-9618, calling our Pascagoula office at 228-231-3855, or reaching out online.