Millions of people use rapid transit and public transportation every day. At Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC our personal injury attorneys have seen firsthand how serious injuries sustained in public transit accidents can change people’s lives in an instant. If you’ve been hurt or have lost a loved one in an accident while using public transportation, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages caused by the accident.
Being involved in any motor vehicle accident is a jarring experience, and it can be especially traumatic if you’re a passenger on a bus, train, subway or ferry. When you use public transportation, your life is in the hands of the vehicle operator. Bus, train and rapid transit accidents have the potential to cause very serious injuries, permanent disability or even death to passengers, people in other vehicles, pedestrians and bikers. When an accident occurs, the physical, emotional and financial trauma that follows can be devastating to everyone involved.
Why You Should Contact An Attorney After A Public Transportation Accident
There are many different factors that must be taken into account when filing an injury compensation claim after any accident. Claims for damages against a public or governmental entity are complex and have strict deadlines and time limitations. If the vehicle involved in the accident is owned and operated by New Jersey Transit, a notice of tort claim for injury or wrongful death must be filed within 90 days of the bus accident. Seeking the counsel of an experienced personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in handling public transit injury compensation cases is vital to ensure that proper paperwork and claims are filed in a timely manner.
More Than One Entity May Be Responsible
Multiple entities and individuals may be liable for your injuries. A knowledgeable attorney will review the facts and evidence surrounding the incident and determine which parties to include in your injury compensation claim. Depending on the specific circumstances, the following parties may be responsible:
- Government or public entity
- Company that owns the vehicles (if private)
- Bus, train, subway or rapid transit driver
- Vehicle maintenance facility
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Other motorists involved in the accident
Having an experienced attorney on your side who knows how to handle negotiations with government agencies, insurance companies and other liable parties can help ensure you receive maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages.
What To Do If You’re Injured In A Public Transit Accident
After any accident, it’s vital to stay calm. Even if you feel fine and it appears that no one has been injured, call 911 and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Injuries sustained in public transit accidents often do not manifest themselves until days or weeks later. Taking photos, videos and getting witness statements and contact information can also be useful if you end up filing a personal injury compensation claim.
If You’re Seeking Personal Injury Compensation, We Can Help
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a public transit accident, call Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC at 973-326-9099 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.