Public Transportation Accidents in Houston
Houston Auto Accident Attorney
People use public transportation every day. According to the American Public Transportation Association, in 2008 public transit ridership in the United States reached an estimated 10.7 billion trips, for an average of over 29 million trips per day. Passengers in Texas make up a significant part of those numbers, as public transportation trips in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso ranked among the top 50 in urban areas across the country in 2007. No matter what form of public transport is in use, though, there's one factor in common: passengers hand themselves over to the public transportation operator, allowing someone else to transport them from one place to another. And that has risks - riders give up control of their personal safety to the driver, operator and owner of the public transportation system.
What are public transportation accidents?
People use public transportation each day for convenience and economy, and to reduce their environmental footprint as they meet their daily needs. Public transportation is an important resource for those who need to commute to work, attend school, run errands, or go shopping or dining. It also serves those who enjoy the benefits of long distance business or recreational travel.
In the vast majority of cases, hard-working and conscientious operators of public transit systems, also known as "common carriers," deliver their passengers safely to their destinations. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and public transit passengers can be injured or killed when accidents occur. Examples of common carriers, and the environments where public transportation accidents can take place, include:
- Airplanes, helicopters and commuter flights;
- Airport shuttles;
- Buses;
- Commuter trains;
- Ferries;
- Limousines;
- Railroads;
- Subway Trains;
- Taxi cabs; and
- Trolleys.
Common carriers are highly regulated by federal and state laws, and they are subject to a high standard of care toward their passengers. Thus as a public transportation passenger, you may be entitled to damages if you are hurt in an accident. Potential defendants who may be found liable for damages include the public transportation company and drivers of other vehicles involved in your accident.
Potential damages in a public transportation accident case include compensation for past and future lost income, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, out-of-pocket expenses, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.
Contact an Experienced Houston Auto Accident Lawyer
Public transportation injury and death cases can involve complex issues that require thorough investigation and skilled representation. Brad Wyly has earned a well-deserved reputation in southeast Texas as an aggressive negotiator and a skilled litigator. As a client, you'll receive the benefit of Mr. Wyly's knowledge and experience as he pursues your claim and represents you against those who caused your injury or the loss of your family member. Many insurance companies decide to settle disputes for clients represented by Mr. Wyly. Insurance companies know that Mr. Wyly will not hesitate to go to trial in order to recover fair and just damages for a client.
If you have been hurt or a loved one has been killed in a public transportation accident, you can concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery while Mr. Wyly concentrates on your financial recovery. He will keep you well-informed about your case from start to finish and he will work tirelessly to get you the financial recovery that you deserve. Contact our firm to receive a free case evaluation and to speak with an understanding attorney today. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.