Many people in New Jersey use mass transit on a daily basis. If you use a bus or a train as your primary means of transportation, chances are you count on getting to your destination safely. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Trains and busses both pose a certain amount of risk. Whether your child was injured on a school bus or you were injured in a train accident on your way to work, there is a good chance you are entitled to financial compensation. If you find yourself in this situation, please read on to learn more about what you can do.
What are some of the most common causes of bus accidents?
Not only are busses susceptible to all the same road hazards as other motorists, but their large size makes them even more dangerous for those around them. Since they are so heavy and long, a bus driver must carefully calculate the exact time he or she will turn or brake. This increases the chance of an accident, as busses are more difficult pieces of machinery to operate than a standard car. Some of the most common ways someone could be injured in a bus accident are:
- Sudden stops and starts
- A lack of seatbelts or other safety features
- Discharging of passengers on unsafe or poorly maintained roadways
- Improper maintenance
- Human error, or driver negligence
What are some of the most common causes of train accidents?
While it is true that train accidents are less common than bus accidents, they are not altogether unavoidable. Sometimes, train conductors or their employers may act negligently, leading to damaging results, and injured passengers. Here are some of the most common causes of train accidents:
- Sudden starts and stops
- Train derailment
- Improper maintenance
- Conductor negligence or misjudgment
- Improper speed
How do I determine who is responsible for my injuries in a mass transit accident?
While NJ Transit operates trains and buses through the state, it may be a bit harder to determine who is responsible if you are injured on a private bus. However, you should know that if you plan on taking action against a municipality or government organization, you will have to file your Notice of Claim within 90 days. No matter who is responsible, if you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you should not have to cover your medical bills, lost wages and more all by yourself. Contact an experienced attorney who will fight for your rights.
Contact our Middlesex County firm
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.
