New Jersey is a common state for commuters to live in because of its proximity to many other states and cities. Many people live in New Jersey who must commute not only through the state itself but to places like New York City or Philadelphia on a daily basis. Because of this, the state offers commuters New Jersey Transit trains and buses to travel to where they need to be. Passengers on these mass transit vehicles trust those operating them to provide them with safe travels. Unfortunately, mass transit accidents can happen. If buses or trains are not properly taken care of, accidents may occur and cause severe injuries to passengers. When a transit administration does not provide safe conditions for travel, they may be held responsible for any injuries that happen as a result. It is important to enlist a skilled attorney if you were injured in a mass transit accident.
Causes of Injuries
New Jersey Transit is responsible for ensuring safe transportation vehicles for all transit passengers. This requires them to conduct routine inspections of all trains, buses, and their waiting platforms. If inspections do not occur, operators may not be aware of any unsafe conditions such as defective, malfunctioning, or missing parts to their vehicles. Transit drivers are also required to be fully competent and pay attention while operating the vehicles. If any transit employees fail to meet these standards, passengers may become seriously injured.
There are many dangerous factors in mass transit accidents. Examples may 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
New Jersey Transit is required to provide a certain standard of care for mass transit riders that provide them with safe travels. If the transit administration is negligent in providing that care for their riders, in the form of inspections or poor driving decisions, they may be responsible for any injuries that may occur as a result. If an injured passenger wishes to hold them responsible for an injury, the burden of proof must be satisfied. The burden of proof requires the injured to prove their injuries happened as a direct result of the other party’s negligence and failure to meet the standard of care.
If the injured passenger is successful proving another party negligent, they may be able to recover compensation for their injury. The compensation may be financial and nonfinancial. Examples may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations
In New Jersey, an injured person is given a time limit as to when they can file a claim against another party for their injury. When filing a claim against a municipality, the time limit is much shorter than that of a typical personal injury case. In New Jersey, the individual must act quickly to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a mass transit accident and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Offices of Stathis & Leonardis, LLC. today.
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt because of the negligence of another party. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, contact our firm today.
