People in New York City and other metropolises expect to be safe when they use public transit for their daily commute. For millions of citizens, most bus and train rides are entirely uneventful.
Though rare, personal injuries can still happen on buses and trains. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, legislators and public transport officials have been putting considerable focus on preventing these accidents in the last year. Many forms of public transportation do not feature seatbelts – and those that do rarely enforce their use. This is one reason why accidents on buses and trains often cause serious injuries. These wrecks can result from a number of causes: inclement weather, mechanical malfunctions and unruly passengers – to name a few. However, negligence contributes to a large portion of them If you were injured in a public transit accident and would like to speak with a New York City personal-injury attorney, call Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC at to schedule a free consultation. Responding to a Public Transit Injury Depending on whether you have been injured on a bus or a train, there are several different ways to respond. In all cases, you should bring attention to the injury as soon as possible. Notify a public transit worker and request medical care. Even if you do not believe the injury was severe enough to justify contacting medical personnel, there are a number of critical reasons why this step should not be overlooked. First, the extent of an injury can be difficult to determine right after the incident occurs. With the rush of adrenaline and the focus on reporting the accident, you may not fully realize how hurt you are until several hours or days have passed. By delaying proper medical treatment, this injury could worsen significantly. Another important advantage to contacting medical services right away is that they will be able to document the extent of the injuries immediately after they occurred. This record could support your claim if you decide to file an injury lawsuit. Is the MTA Responsible for My Injury? As with most personal-injury cases, the answer to, “Who is responsible?” largely depends on the specifics of the case. No two accidents are the same, and seemingly minor details could make a significant difference in liability and the victims’ ability to pursue damages. If the plaintiff can show that the injury was the result of negligence on behalf of a train conductor, bus operator or public transit employee, then it may be possible to sue for damages. This compensation can pay for the plaintiff’s medical bills and lost wages, which can help accident victims avoid insurmountable debt. If you were injured in a public transit accident, then your first priority should be seeking medical attention. Then, call an attorney to learn your rights as an accident victim. A New York City personal-injury attorney from Jaroslawicz & Jaros can handle the legal side of your claim so you can focus on personal recovery. To learn more, call us today at .
