Who Is Responsible for Injuries in Public Transportation Accidents?

Public transportation is a vital resource for millions of people across the United States, providing affordable and reliable travel options. However, accidents involving buses, trains, or other transit systems can lead to devastating injuries and complex legal situations. Unlike typical car accidents, public transit accidents often involve multiple victims, large entities like government agencies or transit companies, and complicated liability issues.

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of public transportation accidents, the types of injuries they can cause, and the legal challenges victims face. We’ll also discuss the steps injured passengers should take to protect their rights and how an experienced personal injury attorney can help victims secure the compensation they deserve.

Public bus stop sign

1. What Causes Public Transportation Accidents?

Public transportation accidents happen for a variety of reasons, many of which stem from negligence or human error. Understanding the common causes can help injured passengers identify who may be liable for their damages.

Driver Negligence

Bus and train operators undergo extensive training, but mistakes can still happen. Common examples of operator negligence include:

  • Distracted Driving: Texting, using a mobile device, or even talking to passengers can lead to accidents.
  • Fatigue: Long hours or insufficient rest can impair an operator’s reaction time.
  • Speeding: Failing to follow posted speed limits, especially in dangerous weather or traffic conditions, often causes crashes.

Mechanical Failures

Proper maintenance is critical for ensuring that public transportation vehicles are safe to operate. Mechanical failures, such as brake failure, engine malfunctions, or problems with doors, can lead to accidents.

Dangerous Infrastructure

Poorly maintained roads, railways, or bus stops can also contribute to accidents. Issues like broken traffic signals, potholes, or damaged tracks increase the risk of crashes.

External Factors

Public transportation systems don’t operate in isolation. Negligent drivers, reckless pedestrians, or hazardous weather conditions can all lead to accidents involving buses, trains, or subways.

cropped shot of of person standing in city bus

2. Types of Public Transportation Accidents

Public transportation accidents can take many forms, depending on the vehicle and environment involved. Each type of accident comes with unique risks and challenges.

  • Bus Accidents: Buses operate in busy urban areas, where they interact with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Common bus accidents include:

  • Collisions with Cars: Drivers who fail to yield or make sudden stops can cause bus crashes.
  • Rollovers: A top-heavy design makes buses susceptible to tipping over during sharp turns or collisions.
  • Passenger Falls: Sudden stops or poorly maintained floors can lead to slip-and-fall accidents inside the bus.

Train and Subway Accidents

Train systems move large numbers of passengers over long distances, but derailments and collisions can result in severe injuries. Common causes of train accidents include:

  • Derailments: Track obstructions or mechanical failures can cause trains to leave the tracks.
  • Platform Injuries: Crowded platforms increase the risk of falls or being struck by a train.
  • Collisions: Trains may collide with other vehicles at poorly marked crossings or due to operator negligence.

Other Transit Systems

In addition to buses and trains, other public transit options include ferries, cable cars, and trolleys. These systems face risks like collisions, capsizing (in the case of ferries), or mechanical failures.

3. Common Injuries in Public Transportation Accidents

The nature and severity of injuries in public transportation accidents vary depending on the type of vehicle, the circumstances of the crash, and the victim’s position in the vehicle.

Physical Injuries

  • Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Sudden stops or impacts can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck and back.
  • Fractures and Broken Bones: Collisions or falls can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, or other bones.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A blow to the head from an accident can result in concussions or long-term cognitive impairments.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can cause partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering the victim’s quality of life.
  • Burns and Lacerations: Explosions, fires, or sharp debris from an accident can leave victims with disfiguring injuries.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Survivors of public transportation accidents often experience emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can be particularly true for victims of high-profile accidents like train derailments or multi-vehicle bus crashes.

4. Legal Challenges in Public Transportation Accident Cases

Public transportation accident claims are often more complicated than standard car accident cases. Several factors contribute to these challenges:

Ambulance

Government Entities and Sovereign Immunity

Many public transportation systems are owned and operated by government entities, such as city transit authorities or state rail systems. Filing a lawsuit against a government entity requires following strict rules under the Tort Claims Act, including shorter deadlines and capped damages.

Public transportation accident claims are often more complicated than standard car accident cases. Several factors contribute to these challenges:

Government Entities and Sovereign Immunity

Many public transportation systems are owned and operated by government entities, such as city transit authorities or state rail systems. Filing a lawsuit against a government entity requires following strict rules under the Tort Claims Act, including shorter deadlines and capped damages.

5. Steps to Take After a Public Transportation Accident

Victims of public transportation accidents can take proactive steps to protect their health and their legal rights.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms.

2. Report the Incident

Notify the transit authority, bus operator, or train conductor of the accident. Request a copy of the incident report for your records.

3. Collect Evidence

Document the accident scene by taking photos, collecting witness statements, and saving any physical evidence.

4. Preserve Medical and Financial Records

Keep copies of your medical bills, pay stubs (to document lost wages), and any correspondence with the transit authority or insurance companies.

5. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating a public transportation accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. An attorney can help determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you meet legal deadlines.

6. How Bill Connor Law Firm Can Help Victims

The Bill Connor Law Firm in Orangeburg, SC, has extensive experience handling complex public transportation accident cases. Whether you were injured on a bus, train, or ferry, we provide the expertise and support you need to pursue justice and compensation.

Why Choose Bill Connor Law Firm?

  • Proven Track Record: With multiple multi-million-dollar case wins, Bill Connor has demonstrated his ability to handle even the toughest personal injury cases.
  • Military Precision: As a retired Army Colonel, Bill Connor brings a disciplined and strategic approach to every case.
  • Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the physical and emotional toll accidents take on victims and their families.

What We Offer

  • Free Case Evaluations: We provide a complimentary consultation to assess your personal injury claim.
  • No-Win, No-Fee Representation: Our contingency-based approach ensures you pay no fees unless we win your personal injury case.
  • Comprehensive Case Building: We conduct thorough investigations and gather critical evidence to build a strong personal injury case.

Conclusion

Public transportation accidents can have life-altering consequences, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional scars, and mounting financial challenges. Navigating the complexities of these cases requires expertise, persistence, and compassion.

At the Bill Connor Law Firm, we are committed to helping accident victims in Orangeburg, SC, and surrounding areas seek justice. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus, train, or other public transit accident, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward recovery.

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Attorney Bill Connor Owner
William M. Connor V stands as a paragon of legal excellence and dedicated service. His background blends an impressive legal career with a distinguished military background to the rank of Colonel (with a career spanning various commands, including as senior US advisor to Helmand Province, Afghanistan). Bill was a runoff candidate for Lt. Governor of South Carolina in 2010, and in 2021 received the state’s highest award from SC Governor McMaster, the Order of the Palmetto. After only six years of legal practice (which included time deployed to combat), Bill was recognized by his peers as having the highest possible ranking ethical standards and competency, earning him the prestigious AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating by Martindale- Hubbell®. In 2021, Bill was elected by fellow Citadel Alumni to serve on the prestigious Citadel Board of Visitors. Bill has attained several seven figure resolutions for clients, including a multi- million dollar settlement in 2023 and over a million dollar resolution in 2024