Mass transit provides millions of people with an opportunity to get to where they need to be that is affordable and accessible. Mass transit in Delaware provides commuters with a network of buses and trains such as SEPTA and DART. Commuters put all their trust in these transit operators to provide them with safe transportation. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Mass transit accidents can occur when the transportation services and their waiting areas are not properly maintained. If a transit administration is negligent in providing safe transit, they can put many people at risk for injuries. When this happens, they may be held liable for failing to provide a standard of care. If you have been injured in a mass transit accident, it is important to enlist a skilled attorney to help your case.
Causes of Injuries
SEPTA and DART operators are responsible for ensuring safe transportation for all transit riders. Doing so requires them to conduct proper investigations of all buses and trains as well as their platform waiting areas. It also requires all drivers of these vehicles to be fully competent and paying attention while they drive. If a driver or technician fails to do so, accidents can happen and commuters can be seriously hurt. There are many different things that may factor into mass transit accidents. This may include:
- Derailments
- Faulty equipment
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Slip and falls
- Product malfunction
- Driver/technician negligence
- Poorly maintained waiting areas
Negligence
Because mass transit is provided by municipalities, it is their duty to maintain safe transit services for the people of Delaware. These municipalities and their drivers are responsible for doing their job correctly to ensure people do not get hurt. Because of this, they may be held liable for any injuries that may happen as a result of their negligence. In order for an individual to hold a driver or municipality responsible for their injury, they must prove their injuries were a direct result of that party’s inability to provide their duty of care.
If the injured is successful in proving another party’s negligence, they may be able to receive compensation for their injuries. This compensation may be financial as well as non-financial. Examples of damages an individual may receive could be for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations
It is important to note that an injured person is given a limitation on the time they have to file a claim against another party for their injury. When an individual files a claim, they are stating their intention to take legal action against that party. The statute of limitations is different depending on who a person plans to file against. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is 3 years from the date of the accident. Claims against a municipality only have 1 year from the date of the accident to be filed.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a mass transit accident and wish to speak with an attorney, contact Delaware Injury Law Firm, Weinroth & Miller, P.C. today.
Delaware Injury Law Firm is comprised of an experienced team of attorneys focusing on legal matters of personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, product liability, and wrongful death in Delaware. If you require an effective attorney to guide you through these difficult legal matters, contact Delaware Injury Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.