Liability for Public Transportation Injuries

A Greyhound bus driver may be out of a job and facing legal consequences after he was recorded texting while driving. A passenger on the bus bound for Philadelphia from Washington, D.C. told news outlets that he noticed the driver was texting while driving on Interstate 95 through Maryland. The passenger pulled out his cell phone in order to capture the negligent behavior on camera after he first became aware of the driver’s dangerous conduct when the bus started drifting into other lanes without signaling. The passenger said he watched the driver text with his phone in his lap for a full minute, 34 seconds of which are on camera. Texting, talking on the phone, changing radio stations, or other distractions can cause operators to lose focus and can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

In 2016, Americans took 10.4 billion rides on public transport. Buses, trains, subways, cable cars, and light rail systems allow people to get to their destination safely every day. Unfortunately, injuries on public transport do happen, and when they do, the situation can quickly become complicated.

There are many factors that can contribute to a public transportation collision or malfunction. Some of these factors are not the fault of the transportation company or administration, but others could be. Public transportation accidents can be caused by:

• Negligent or unfocused behavior by the driver or operator;
• Drivers and operators who have not been properly trained;
• Speeding or ignoring traffic safety laws;
• Malfunctions caused by poor maintenance;
• Drivers or operators under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Driver or operator fatigue;
• Unsafe or unmaintained entrances and exits; and
• Broken equipment inside the vehicles such as seats and handrails.

Victims who are injured while using mass transit often do not receive the compensation they deserve due to the complex nature of such cases. A public transportation accident is much more complicated than a one- or two-car collision on a busy street or highway. A mass transit accident victim may need to seek damages from large transport companies or government entities, making recovery extremely difficult in many cases. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and to increase the chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a bus, train, light rail system, or any other mode of public transportation, contact an experienced San Jose personal injury lawyer. Call (408) 289-1417 to schedule a free consultation at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P today.

• Greyhound driver suspected of texting on I-95
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