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If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident involving public transportation, a personal injury attorney can explain the legal considerations of taking civil action against an entity, such as bus company, to recover damages.
Pedestrians Do More Than Just Walk – They Jog, Run, Skate and More
Pedestrians are more than just people who walk to their destinations. They also include:
- Joggers
- Runners
- Skaters
- Skateboarders
- Joggers
- People using scooters, wheelchair, or a tricycle
Any of these groups are at risk of a crosswalk accident if a vehicle operator, such as a bus driver, doesn’t see them. Pedestrians can also cause an accident if they aren’t paying attention or are confused about where they should walk. When they navigate areas where transit occurs, there are also risks.
Determining Liability in Pedestrian Accidents Involving Public Transportation
When a pedestrian accident occurs, various legal considerations must be made if injured parties wish to pursue a compensation case for damages. Perhaps among the most important considerations are:
- Who is at fault for the accident
- Who should pay for the injuries and damages suffered
Catastrophic injuries often result when a vehicle hits a person. These can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractured bones, internal organ damage, internal bleeding, and other injuries.
Pedestrians do not have protection in their surroundings, so any impact from a bus, taxi, streetcar, tram, commuter van, or passenger train will likely cause devastating wounds. Pedestrians are also at risk of suffering transit-related injuries in public transit areas, such as a bus station, airport waiting area, a train terminal, or a bus stop.
Dangers in these areas could include uneven sidewalks or stairs, loose handrails, debris, trash, overgrown areas, slippery surfaces, crosswalks without a traffic signal or stop sign, inclement weather, and other hazards. If pedestrians suffer injuries
Negligence
If negligence caused the accident, an attorney would investigate it and collect case-supporting evidence. They also will look for the four elements of negligence, which are:
- Duty of care: The liable party owed the injured pedestrian a duty of care.
- Breach of duty of care: The liable party’s actions or actions violated the duty of care.
- Causation: The breach directly caused the accident that injured the pedestrian.
- Damages: The pedestrian suffered compensatory damages, such as medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.
Potentially liable parties in pedestrian accidents involving public transportation can include:
- A motor vehicle driver, such as a bus driver, a tram operator
- The entity responsible for maintaining the area where the accident occurred
- The pedestrian who suffered injury
- Another road user, such as another pedestrian, motorcyclist, bicyclist, etc.
A pedestrian accident attorney will identify all liable parties and seek compensation from each individual or entity. If you are partially responsible for the accident, an attorney can determine what percentage of liability belongs to you and determine how much compensation you could receive.
Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Crash on Public Transportation
Another legal consideration to make after a negligence accident is identifying the injured party’s economic and non-economic damages. These damages commonly include:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing rehabilitation therapy costs
- Lost income
- Loss of earning ability
- Pain and suffering (e.g., mental anguish, emotional distress)
- Property damage
- Other related damages
Wrongful Death Damages
If a public transportation accident resulted in a pedestrian’s death, certain family members of the decedent’s could recover financial compensation for their loss. This compensation can pay for the decedent’s funeral expenses and burial costs, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Every case is unique, so a wrongful death attorney won’t be able to determine how much monetary compensation you could recover from an insurance claim or lawsuit until they assess your case. Your attorney should demand compensation that covers your financial losses.
How an Attorney Can Help Injured Pedestrians Recover Compensation
It is challenging to pursue an insurance claim or civil action when you are healing from injuries. You deserve to focus on restoring your health while an attorney handles your case. They will:
- Advise you of your legal options during a free consultation
- Communicate with all parties, including insurance companies
- Manage and file all essential case paperwork
- File your insurance claim and lead negotiation talks for fair compensation
- Prepare your lawsuit and file it within the statute of limitations (In California, it is two years, per CCP § 335.1.
- Represent you at trial and fight for your financial award in court
Your attorney will take care of all tasks of your legal matter. They will also answer questions, address your concerns, and keep you updated on your case.
Were You Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident Involving Public Transportation? Call Us
Pedestrian accidents involving public transportation come with many legal considerations that an attorney can help you or a loved one navigate. Call KJT Law Group today for legal representation. Our attorneys will advocate for your full recovery.
It can be challenging to determine who owes you compensation when you get hurt in an incident involving public transit. We will take care of your case while you focus on your recovery. Call us today for a free consultation. We will lead your case at no upfront charge or fees. We only get paid if you win your case.
