Providers of public transportation facilities such as buses and subways are regulated by state and federal laws and are closely monitored with regard to safety. Airline and railway companies, ship owners, bus and subway operators, and other providers of public transportation must follow strict safety regulations and guidelines. All serious bus and subway accidents are carefully investigated, often by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Companies involved in subway and bus accidents that are caused by Negligence or human error may be held liable and sued for damages. In accidents involving injuries to many people, a class-action lawsuit may be filed. For a smaller accident or personal injury related to public transportation, you can file an individual lawsuit for damages in civil court. Damages can include compensation for actual medical expenses, loss of income, reduction of earning ability, repair of property, and pain and suffering. In the event of a fatal accident, the victim’s close relatives can file suit for wrongful death.
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A common carrier is one that regularly transports people or goods for a fee and offers their service to the general public. Examples of common carriers include public bus lines, Airlines, Trains, cruise ships and some freight companies. In California, common carriers are subject to different rules than other entities and must use the utmost care and diligence for the safe transportation of the public. This is a higher duty than just avoiding Negligence and can help an injured person recover damages after an accident.
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It is very important to note that public transportation and common carrier accidents are subject to various Statutes Of Limitations which limit the amount time you have to file a lawsuit. Also, public transportation accidents may involve making a claim against a government entity. These claims can be very complicated and there are additional procedures and strict timelines that must be followed. The impact of these rules on your case must be evaluated by a qualified lawyer as soon as possible.
Airplanes
Injuries caused by airplane accidents typically involve in-air collisions, accidents on take-off or landing, and injuries resulting from air turbulence. Public airline companies are closely scrutinized for safety by the federal government, and all accidents involving airplanes are investigated by the FAA or NTSB. As common carriers, airlines are responsible for taking all steps necessary to protect the safety of their passengers. This responsibility includes properly maintaining and operating the aircraft, providing safe and secure facilities for boarding and leaving the airplane, and safely storing passenger luggage. There are strict federal laws governing the safe operation of airplanes and federal authorities investigate all serious accidents. In addition to the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board investigators, the airline, the airplane manufacturer, and all insurance companies involved may send investigators to the scene of serious accidents to determine their cause.
If you sustain an injury in an airplane accident, it is very important to contact an lawyer specializing in such cases at the earliest opportunity. In many cases, the lawyer can conduct an independent inquiry into the causation and liability issues raised by the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, several different parties may be held liable in an aviation lawsuit including pilots, the airline, the airplane manufacturer or designer, airport management, the maintenance and repair crew, and air-traffic controllers. In serious personal injury or wrongful death cases, causation and liability can often only be determined through expert testimony. These cases require the skill, experience and financial resources of a well established personal injury lawyer. Click here for more information about Airplane And Aviation Accidents.
Trains
There are strict federal and state laws governing the safe operation of trains, and federal authorities will investigate any serious accident that occurs. Like airlines, railroad companies are responsible for properly maintaining and operating their equipment, providing safe and secure facilities for boarding and leaving, and safely storing passenger luggage. Collisions between trains and passenger vehicles are among the most frightening and devastating accidents that occur. Generally, the driver of a vehicle is responsible for exercising extreme care when driving over railroad crossings, but train operators can be held liable under some circumstances including when they are negligent in providing adequate warnings. Click here for more information about Train Accidents.
Bus, subway, and public transportation accidents can be extremely complex and require the skill of an experienced lawyer. If you or someone you know has been injured in a public transportation accident, call The Scranton Law Firm today for a free consultation at 1 (800) 400-8742.