What Are Common Injuries Suffered in a Mass Transit Accident?
Many people use public transportation on a daily basis to get to and from school, work, church, and even the grocery store. Mass transit is prevalent in big cities or urban areas. This form of transportation can include buses, elevated trains, ferries, and subways. They provide a convenient and easy way to get around, especially if someone does not feel like driving. However, since these vehicles and trains are typically operating in traffic, they are often more likely to be involved in a collision with other automobiles or pedestrians. A mass transit accident can cause serious to fatal injuries due to the sheer size of the vehicles and the number of passengers in them. If you are the unfortunate victim of a mass transit crash, you may be able to seek compensation for your pain and suffering depending on the circumstances that caused it.
Causes of Crashes
There can be many reasons why a car, bus, or train accident occurs. In some cases, it can be due to the negligent actions or inactions of a motorist. For example, an inexperienced or a fatigued driver can lose control of his or her vehicle, causing it to collide with another automobile, a person, or even a building. In other situations, the manufacturer or repair technician may fail to adequately inspect a mass transit part or engine.
Below are a few of the typical reasons for a mass transit accident:
- Driver/operator error (drunk or distracted driving)
- Faulty parts/equipment
- Inclement weather conditions
- Mechanical failure
- Improper maintenance
Catastrophic Consequences
Because a train, bus, and ferry boat are so large and heavy, being struck by them can be devastating due to the force of the impact. These modes of transportation do not usually have seat belts, so passengers are not restrained like they are in personal vehicles. Therefore, when a collision occurs, the occupants can be thrown from the bus, train, or boat. If a pedestrian is struck by a bus or a train, he or she can suffer life-threatening injuries or even be killed instantly.
Some of the most serious injuries a passenger or a pedestrian can suffer in a mass transit accident include:
- Fractures/broken bones
- Head trauma
- Severed limbs
- Spinal cord damage
- Cuts/lacerations
- First-, second-, or third-degree burns to the skin
- Internal bleeding/organ damage
Contact a Park Ridge Personal Injury Lawyer
Mass transit vehicles can cause severe damage if they are involved in a crash or if they hit a pedestrian. If you were hurt while riding public transportation or your loved one was killed after being hit by a commuter train or a city bus, it is critical that you talk to a legal professional to learn about your legal options. A knowledgeable Des Plaines mass transit accident attorney will guide you through the procedure of filing a claim so you can recover the compensation you need to recover emotionally and physically. Call the accomplished Quinn Law Group, LLC today at 847-232-7180 to schedule a free and private consultation.
Source:
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/deaths-by-transportation-mode/