Injuries on Public Transit Trains and Railways

Friday, August 9, 2013

Injuries on Public Transit Trains and Railways

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Taking public transit is a great way to get around without the hassle of having to own a car. There’s no gas to pay for, no insurance to buy, and it can usually take you within relatively close distance to where you want to go. Some people also like that, relatively speaking, it’s safer than driving as you have far less risk of being in an accident. But people still do sometimes get hurt while riding the train or waiting for it on a platform. Thankfully, you’re not at the mercy of the city when that happens—hiring an accident injury lawyer can help you attain the compensation you deserve.

Types of Train Injuries

Because of the high speed, derailments, though uncommon, can happen. These can cause significant injury or even death to passengers. You may also become injured if there is a collision on train tracks. If injuries occur due to careless inspection, driver error, or machining malfunctions, you may have a case to bring against the transit company responsible for the train. If you are injured while waiting on a train platform, due to faulty machinery (with escalators or elevators) or uneven floor or stairs, you may also have a case. If you aren’t sure, contacting a train accident attorney will be your first step in finding out.

How to Pursue Compensation

If you are injured and need medical attention, you may be worried about how to pay medical bills. It’s best to contact an accident injury lawyer for help navigating the claim process. You should be able to feel safe when taking public transportation, and unmaintained railcars or platforms should not be acceptable. Talk with a train accident attorney for advice and a consultation on what you should do next with the situation.