There are several major cities within and surrounding the state of Pennsylvania. It is because of this that people often use mass transportation. This can include different types of buses and trains that allow commuters to get to where they need to go. People who use mass transit vehicles trust that they are maintained and will operate safely for them so that they can travel without harm. However, this is not always the case and accidents happen. These accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries that impact a person for the rest of their life. If you were involved in a mass transit accident, contact an experienced Philadelphia attorney to discuss your case.
Causes of Injuries
Transit administrations in the state of Pennsylvania are obligated by law to ensure their modes of transportation are safe for their passengers. This requires them to conduct regular inspections of their vehicles and waiting areas. If this does not take place, dangerous conditions may present themselves and go unnoticed. This may be missing, defective, or malfunctioning parts.
These administrations are also responsible for the drivers they employ. Transit drivers must operate vehicles with their full competency and attention in order to ensure the safety of their passengers. The different types of dangerous situations that cause mass transit accidents can include:
- Derailments
- Faulty equipment
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Lack of seatbelts or safety features
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Driver/technician negligence
- Poorly maintained waiting areas
- Slip and falls
- Product malfunction
Negligence
If an accident occurs because a transit administration fails to comply with the standard of care that is expected of them, they can be held liable for accidents and injuries. When a passenger is involved in a mass transit accident, they often want to hold the administration responsible. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit that exists to prove negligence. During this process, the injured party must satisfy the burden of proof with evidence that proves their the negligent party’s behavior directly caused their injuries.
If the case is successful, the injured party may be able to recover financial compensation for their injuries. This can include economic and non-economic damages due to the accident. Economic damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, future lost wages, and more. Non-economic damages cover emotional traumas such as the loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering.
Statute of Limitations
It is important to know that residents in the state of New Jersey have a limit on the amount of time they have to file a claim against a negligent party. This is known as a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, an injured party has two years from the accident to file a claim against a negligent party. In order to hold a negligent municipality responsible, they are required to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident.
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
