What is considered public transportation?
Public transportation consists of buses, subways, trolleys and light rail, commuter trains, street cars, cable cars, van pool services, as well as ferries and water taxies, monorails and tramways.
Is public transportation widely used in the U.S.?
Yes. In the past 14 years, ridership has grown by 38 percent. In 2008, U.S. riders on public transportation took 10.7 billion trips, the highest total in more than five decades.
Can I be compensated for injuries I received while using public transportation?
Yes, it is possible to receive financial compensation for injuries sustained while using public transportation. Injuries can be sustained during an automobile accident or from pedestrian knockdowns, doors shutting on train or bus passengers, or slip and fall accidents. Due to the jurisdiction of the ownership of public transportation the legal questions surrounding your claim are more complex than accidents involving only private vehicles.
If your injuries are the result of another party's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A court may award damages for any or all of the following:
- Pain and suffering;
- Automobile repairs;
- Disability;
- Medical bills; and
- Loss of current and future income.
For these reasons, it is important that you consult with an experienced accident attorney if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while using public transportation. The Houston, Texas based public transportation accident attorney at the Wyly Law Firm has the talent and skills necessary to help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Where do most public transportation accidents occur in Texas?
In Texas, injuries on public transportation are most likely to occur on buses. Unlike many other major cities, Houston and the surrounding region are not served by a significant underground rail system. Houston, however, is home to an extensive pubic bus system as well as an above ground light rail train system.
Many times, bus accidents are caused due to poor maintenance or driver fault. Some of the primary causes of accidents involving public transportation include inexperienced drivers, equipment failure, inadequate maintenance and inadequate safety devices (such as handles for passengers.)
What determines whether a vehicle is public transportation?
Texas law allows cities to create municipal transit authorities to manage and run public transportation services, such as Houston’s bus and train systems. In Houston, the bus and train services, as well as a vanpool service, are operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston, Texas.
Why do public transportation accidents sometimes involve more extensive injuries than accidents involving private vehicles only?
Often, public transportation options such as buses and train are not equipped with seat belts, and accidents on public transportation can produce terrible injuries. The accident can be compounded by the fact that the vehicles involved weigh thousands of pounds more than the average passenger vehicle. In addition, when a large number of people are involved this compounds the number of injuries.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a public transportation accident, don’t delay. The accident lawyer at The Wyly Law Firm is ready to provide you with excellent legal representation. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 713.574.7034 or use our online contact form. We serve clients throughout Texas, including Harris County, Beaumont, Baytown, Galveston, Pasadena and Houston.
