An accident involving a mode of public transportation (i.e., bus, train, or subway) may be catastrophic. Depending on where you are positioned in relation to the point of collision or the location of the incident, it may be difficult for you to decipher what exactly happened and who caused it. All you may know if that you incurred serious bodily injuries and property damages in its aftermath. Well, follow along to find out who is potentially liable for your public transportation accident and how a proficient St. Mary’s County auto accident lawyer at The Dorsey Law Firm can help you hold the appropriate party or parties accountable.
Who is potentially liable for a public transportation accident?
Detecting the at-fault party of your public transportation accident may not be as black-and-white as, say, if you were involved in a standard motor vehicle accident instead. This may be because of the sheer mass of public transport and all its moving parts going on at the same time.
For example, say that your accident took place on a bus. Well, your bus driver may have caused your accident by negligently speeding, ignoring traffic signs, or operating this commercial vehicle while intoxicated. But in this scenario, the bus company may also be considered at fault for hiring this negligent driver.
In another example, your bus driver may have been driving safely, but ultimately could not safely avoid another driver who was poorly navigating the road. Or, they could not safely avoid a large pothole or other debris in their lane. Instead, this may have you consider the liability of the city entity where your accident took place.
Also possibly, your accident may have been caused by a mechanical malfunction beyond your bus driver’s reasonable control. This would possibly leave the bus manufacturing company to blame.
How do I file a claim for my public transportation accident?
It is in your best interest to consult with an experienced lawyer who may be able to help you properly identify the liable party or parties of your public transportation accident. Once identified, they may work on your behalf to file your personal injury claim against them.
However, this type of claim, more often than not, involves a government entity. So this requires you to submit a notice of claim first, to inform them of your intent to pursue legal action. This must be submitted within one year from the date of injury incurred from the accident. Again, your lawyer may help you understand if and when you need to meet this deadline.
Do not wait. Retain the services of a talented Leonardtown personal injury lawyer from The Dorsey Law Firm. We look forward to working with you and taking on your case.
