When individuals use common carrier transportation, also referred to as public transportation – whether it is daily, often or annually – they place a large amount of trust in the carrier’s operator. In a world where people count on cabs, buses, trains and commuter rails to travel for business and pleasure, the only thing on their minds is getting from point A to point B. That trust includes the expectation of arriving to their destination safely, without incident.
As each individual begins their day, whether it is a routine trip to the office, or a well-planned excursion, public transportation can play a large role in their movement. Because this is true for everyone, the companies and manufacturers who create and service these carriers must be held at a higher standard of care. With the responsibility of transporting millions of individuals each day, public transportation companies are responsible for the safety of those who use their services every second of their employment.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, people board public transportation 35 million times each weekday. With more than 7100 organizations providing public transportation, including cabs, buses, trains and commuter rails, it is safe to assume that with each step into one of these common carriers, the expectation is to arrive safely upon departure.
Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that these carriers can succumb to innumerable conditions causing an accident with injury. Even more alarming is the fact that the operators and maintenance of these carriers can – without warning – subject their passengers to neglectful or reckless behavior and conditions, leading to serious injury.
Whether your injury was caused by the lack of maintenance on the carrier you are traveling in, or the result of operator or manufacturing negligence in a cab, bus or train, you are entitled to the overall expectation of safety. When that expectation is breached by the carrier, you are authorized by law to pursue damages. Binder Law Group, PLC attorneys will focus on the cause of your accident and provide exceptional representation to help you or your loved ones recover from the unimaginable injuries you sustained while entrusting another with your travel safety.
Keep in mind, with the evolving carrier services that are available in large cities newcomers to the industry, including ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, are also required to provide the same care and safety measures as public transportation services.
With the expectation of safety that is enjoyed by millions of individuals each day, it can seem surprising that over 10,000 rail accidents occurred in the last available reported year of 2013. Likewise, over 50,000 bus accidents occurred in the same period. The cause of these accidents vary from operator negligence to lack of maintenance or manufacturing care to produce a safe device.
Over a single decade an average of 43,000 people in the United States die each year in transportation-related accidents. It does not take loss of life to understand that the accidents in public transportation are more common than passengers could imagine. If you or a loved one has been injured in a public transportation accident, whether it is on a bus or train, you are entitled to superior representation that will allow you to hold those responsible for your injuries to the letter of the law.
If you are involved in an accident, no matter which segment of public transportation you are employing, it is important to assess your injuries first. If you need immediate medical care, reach out to the emergency services in your area first. If you are able to assess the situation at hand prior to receiving medical care, note the information of the service you are using. If it is a bus, train or even an Uber or Lyft rideshare vehicle, record the name of the driver or conductor, the time and route, as well as the identifying tags or license number of the carrier.
With the popularity of cellphone cameras and similar devices, recording the scene around you – including identifying information – can be a simple click of the camera away. If there are witnesses to your accident, take down their information as well for future use.
Next, contact one of the public transportation attorneys at Binder Law Group, PLC to understand how your accident can be reviewed by a professional before the scene, witnesses or operators are compromised by an internal investigation or direction from their superiors. Our attorneys will act quickly to help build a case that will allow you to recover the damages you are entitled to.
The experienced Encino personal injury attorneys at Binder Law Group, PLC are available to help you understand how to proceed properly with a case against the individual, company or manufacturer that caused your injury. Contact us today at (818) 659-8588 to find the next steps to pursuing the compensation you deserve.