Many of us take public transportation every day. It can be a great way to travel both long and short distances. However, mass transit accidents can be especially serious. Read on to learn more about bus and train accidents in Maryland and what to do if an injury occurs.
Common causes of bus accidents:
Busses are relatively safe as they generally travel at low speeds. However, buses deal with all of the hazards other vehicles face, including negligent drivers, inclement weather, faulty mechanics, and more. The more common causes of bus accidents include:
- Sudden stops and starts
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Disregarding massive blind spots
- Failing to ensure safety equipment is aboard
- Negligently discharging passengers
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Disregarding all other rules and regulations of the road
Common causes of train accidents:
Train accidents are not as common as bus accidents. However, when train accidents do occur, they can be devastating. The most common causes of train accidents include:
- Stalled cars on the track
- Unprotected railroad crossings
- Derailments
- Traincrew or operators working while intoxicated
- Mechanical failures
- Defective tracks
- Loose screws and bolts in tracks
- Misaligned tracks
- Negligent train conductors
- Falling asleep on the job
What is a notice of claims?
In order to recover compensation, you will have to file your claim on time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In Maryland, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, when it comes to mass transit accidents, you may have to file with the Maryland Transit Administration. In this case, you will have to file a Notice of Claims. You will have to file within one year of your accident. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your opportunity to recover the compensation you need and deserve in order to heal.
Fulfilling the burden
Filing your claim on time is not enough to recover compensation. You will also have to fulfill the burden of proof. This involves proving that your accident was a direct result of another party’s negligence. In order to do so, it is important to work with an experienced attorney. A personal injury attorney may be able to obtain further evidence, including security camera footage, police reports, and more.
If you have been injured in a mass transit accident in Maryland, contact our firm to discuss your case.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND FIRM
If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence and require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.
