Thousands of people in Maryland choose mass transit as their primary means of transportation. Buses and trains are a safe and efficient means of travel, especially if you live in the city. However, unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you have been involved in a mass transit accident, the injuries you’ve sustained are most likely severe, which is why you are probably looking into receiving financial compensation. If you were injured in a mass transit accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What most commonly causes train accidents?
Sometimes, train accidents are caused by reasons outside of train operator negligence. For example, train accidents very often stem from negligent train maintenance, such as cracks around bolt holes, broken switches, worn down rails, and broken welds. Generally, however, train accidents are caused by train operator negligence. Here are some examples of negligent operating behavior:
- Falling asleep
- Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Excessively speeding
- Improper alignment of railroad switches
- Improperly applying brakes
- Failing to secure or release hand brakes
- Failing to comply with orders
- Giving improper instructions to crew members
What are some of the most common factors of bus accidents?
Though buses are generally relatively slow-moving vehicles, they are the cause of more accidents than you think. Buses are massive, have more blind spots than the average car, and are therefore more challenging to maneuver. Fortunately, most bus drivers are responsible, hard-working people, who do not take unnecessary risks behind the wheel. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, bus drivers are negligent and injure others as a result. Here are some examples of bus driver negligence:
- Texting while driving
- Unsafely changing lanes
- Failing to yield
- Ignoring other rules of the road
- Ignoring traffic signs or lights
- Discharging passengers on unsafe or poorly maintained roadways
- Driving while fatigued
- Sudden stops and starts
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
What is a Notice of Claim?
If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, you should be entitled to financial compensation. However, you will have to satisfy the burden of proof first. If you wish to file a lawsuit against the MTA, you must file a claim letter within one year of your accident. Under Maryland law, tort damages are limited to $400,000 for a single person or $800,000 for a single incident.
Contact our Maryland firm
If you are in this situation, it is important to discuss this situation with an attorney. The attorneys at Timian & Fawcett, LLC provide effective legal services to clients in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and all of Maryland. Our firm is dedicated to our clients. If you need our help, we are ready to serve. Contact Timian & Fawcett, LLC.
