What To Do After A Mass Transit Crash

Public transportation can be a convenient and economical way to get around. While mass transit is usually safe, when an accident does occur, the results can be devastating.

Whether victims were riding a bus involved in a collision, or vehicle passengers struck by a taxi, individuals hurt in mass transit crashes may be entitled to entitled to compensation for injuries and other damages.

However, the law surrounding mass transit accidents can be complex, and a successful case resolution depends on building a strong case. If you or someone you love was injured in a mass transit crash, here's what you need to know to protect your rights.

Common Types of Mass Transit Accidents

Though riding public transportation is statistically safer than traveling by passenger vehicle, a number of mass transit-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities occur each year. Common examples of mass transit accidents include:

• Taxi cab collisions
• Subway and railroad accidents
• Bus crashes
• Ferry accidents
• Slip and fail accidents on train platforms
• Tripping while boarding or exiting a bus

Protecting Your Rights After a Mass Transit Crash

Some mass transit accident victims are hesitant to go head-to-head with government agencies and their attorneys, but seeking justice for your injuries doesn't have to be intimidating. There are a variety of things that victims can do to strengthen their case and protect their rights after a mass transit accident. The following steps are a good place to start:

• Check for injuries. After a mass transit accident, it's important to check for injuries and summon immediate medical attention, if necessary.

• File an accident report with the bus driver or other transit line employee. The accident report usually consists of a short form that requests contact information and details about the incident in question.
• File a police report. For accident victims injured when their vehicle was struck by a mass transit bus, it's also important to call law enforcement and file a police report—either on scene or at the station. Even though the police report isn't admissible in court, it can still provide valuable information to a personal injury attorney.
• Take photos or video of injuries and the scene of the accident. Document the scene of the accident, as well as any injuries, while everything is still fresh. These photos and videos can serve as powerful evidence.
• Talk with witnesses and take their contact information. After a mass transit accident, some facts, such as liability, may be in dispute. Witnesses who can support the victim's version of events might be helpful to your case. Collecting their contact information makes it possible for a personal injury attorney to contact them later, if needed.
• Notify the insurance company. This is particularly important if your car was hit by a mass transit vehicle. Waiting too long to notify the insurance company of an accident may result in a denial of the related claim.
• Seek medical attention. It's wise to see a doctor after being involved in an accident, even if there are no apparent injuries or the injuries sustained seem minor. Not all accident-related injuries present immediately. If an accident victim doesn't seek treatment, the defense could claim that those late-appearing injuries were caused by something else.
• Follow up with the doctor. After seeing a doctor for accident-related injuries, it's important to complete the prescribed course of treatment and follow up with the doctor as scheduled.
• Consult an experienced personal injury attorney. Quality legal representation can help mass transit accident victims protect their rights.

Consult an Experienced Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a mass transit accident, the knowledgeable legal team at McGartland Law Firm can help you explore your legal options and determine if moving forward with a personal injury lawsuit is right for you and your situation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your case.