SERGEI LEMBERG, ESQ. FOUNDER

Involved in a Public Transportation Accident in Norwalk, CT? We Can Help

Super Lawyers. Super committed.
Super aggressive. Super successful.

Injured in a Public Transportation Accident in Norwalk, Connecticut?

Public transportation provides Norwalk residents with an easy and convenient way to get to point A to point B. The town or city which operates the public transportation vehicles is responsible for the upkeep of the property as well as the training of each driver. Data from the United States Department of Transportation revealed that 251 passengers/occupants and 37 transit employers were killed in transit accidents in the U.S. in 2018. Although public transportation accidents account for a small share of total crashes, accidents do happen, and can result in serious and life-threatening injuries.

Two of the most common public transportation forms in Norwalk and in the state are buses and trains. Thousands of Connecticut residents use railroad transportation every day; Metro-North carries about 42 million Connecticut passengers a year, mainly on its New Haven line, which connects New Haven and New York City. Since 2017, there have been 2,265 crashes involving transit bus crashes and 27 crashes involving Metro North commuter trains in Connecticut.

If you and/or a loved one has been injured in a public transportation accident in Norwalk due to the negligent or reckless actions of other parties involved, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Lemberg Law are equipped to get you the compensation you deserve. We understand that public transportation accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in serious impacts on your health and finances; which is why you may need help as soon as possible.

Navigating the local government or company that may be at fault for your injury can be a scary and frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. For 13 years, Lemberg Law has made legal representation a pain-free and easily accessible process. We have successfully recovered more than $50 million in damages for more than 25,000 clients across the nation. Our track record speaks for itself.

You may be compensated for damages or losses associated with public transportation accidents, which can include but are not limited to:

  • Medical expense reimbursements
  • Diminished quality of live
  • Home healthcare
  • Payment of lost wages
  • Compensation for future medical costs
  • Payment for future earnings
  • Damages for pain and suffering

Call one of our Public Transportation or Mass Transit Aссіdеnt Attоrnеуs Tоdау tо Prоtесt Your Lеgаl Rіghtѕ

If you wеrе a vісtіm оf a public transportation or mass transit ассіdеnt thаt caused you injury, уоu mау be еntіtlеd tо соmреnѕаtіоn. Call 203-883-4592 NOW

Common Injuries from Public Transportation Accidents

Due to the sheer size and weight of public transportation vehicles, like trains and buses, in the event of a sudden change in movement, there are several opportunities for train passengers to be injured. One can fall while in the aisle or hit one’s head on the seat or the wall or window beside them. Trains and buses lack safety features such as airbags or seat belts, and thus passengers can sustain severe and life-threatening injuries in the event of a crash. Common injuries can include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck and spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Injury to internal organs
  • Burns
  • Bruising
  • Abrasions
  • Death

Injuries Per Transit Bus Crash – Connecticut (2017-2020)

 

Most Common Causes of Public Transportation Accidents

Determining the cause of a accident is crucial, as it will define who is responsible for the damages you may receive. Whether you are a passenger, an employee, or a bystander who is injured, you may have a claim. Common causes of public transportation accidents include:

  • Commuter derailment: Train derailment is the leading cause of train crashes in the U.S. and in CT. In CT, from 2017 to 2019, derailments accounted for 34.5% of total train crashes in the state, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. Train derailments can be caused by broken rails and welding, track geometry (alignment, gauge and elevation issues), bearing failure, and more.
  • Track failure: Railroad companies own their own track and are responsible to maintain it and conduct regular inspections. Overtime, tracks become worn and broken. Failure to maintain and fix the tracks can increase the risk of an accident. In 2017, 4 Metro North train crashes were caused by track, roadbed, or structural errors.
  • Human error: Human error can also be factor in a number of public transportation accidents. Human error can be due to inexperience, reckless behavior such as speeding or operating the vehicle under the influence, distractions like texting, poor training, or a combination of these. In 2019, 14 Metro North crashes were attributed to human error.
  • Faulty part: A faulty part may be the cause of the accident. The liability could fall on the original manufacturer or oversight by the party who is in charge of maintenance. For a train accident, a defective part can include a brake failure or a defect with the warning signals. A bus company could be a fault if it neglects to adhere to federal regulations, train drivers, or maintain their buses.These causes can result in:
  • Pedestrian knockdowns
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Being hit or knocked down by arriving / departing subway train
  • Struck by a city bus
  • Doors shutting on train or bus passengers

The Most Dangerous Routes and Roads in Connecticut for Transit Buses

Although the number of transit bus accidents in Connecticut decreased slightly from 700 in 2018 to 699 in 2019, the most dangerous roads where the most crashes occur remain the same year after year. Here are the nine most dangerous roads for public buses in Connecticut in the last three years:

2017-2020 Transit Bus Crashes – Connecticut

  1. Route 1 – 118 crashes
  2. Main St, Hartford – 86 crashes
  3. Route 44 – 70 crashes
  4. Park St, Hartford – 61 crashes
  5. Chapel St, New Haven – 47 crashes
  6. Route 10 – 35 crashes
  7. Farmington Av, Hartford – 31 crashes
  8. I-95 – 29 crashes
  9. Elm St, New Haven – 24 crashes

FAQs about Public Transportation Accidents

What should I do if I am involved in a public transportation accident?

First and foremost, you should check to see if you or anyone else is seriously injured. Because public transportation are commercial carriers, their personnel will generally call for medical help for any passengers who may need it. Insist on a full medical evaluation of injuries, including tests for head, back, and spinal injuries. If you are able to, take photographs of the scene of the accident and any visible injuries. Write down the names and phone numbers of any witness on the scene.

If you are a driver in a vehicle involved in a public transportation accident, if necessary, get the information of other parties involved, including their full name, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, general descriptions of each vehicle, insurance information, and driver’s license information. Try to get as much information as possible to show that you are not liable for the accident, such as photographs of the scene and testimonies from witnesses.

Is there anything I should not say during the public transportation accident or to insurance companies?

You should not apologize to anyone or accept blame for the accident, as this can be misinterpreted by the insurance companies and used against you. You also do not have to give a statement to the other insurance company right away.

Train and bus companies and their insurers may be looking for ways to limit their liability and may offer you a settlement quickly after the accident. In order to understand the full extent of the damages that you may be owned, it is best to consult with an experienced public transportation accident lawyer before talking with any insurance company or accepting any initial settlement.

Should I see a doctor after the public transportation accident, even if I do not think I’m seriously injured?

You should absolutely visit a doctor after being in any type of accident. While you may feel like the injuries are minor or not there, you could have injuries that may become serious if not treated. It’s better to take precautions when dealing with your health. Seeing a doctor will also create medical documents that can serve as evidence if you do decide to peruse legal action.

How much compensation am I entitled to for being injured in a public transportation accident?

If you were injured in a public transportation accident that was not your fault and was caused by negligence on behalf of another party involved, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important to note that no two claims are the same. How much you may receive in damages depends on a variety of factors, such as the sum cost of your injuries, the extent of your past lost wages, and the degree of negligence on your part, if any. The effects of an injury also vary from person to person.

Once our lawyers get all of the necessary information from you, we will evaluate your case tailored to your needs. We provide personalized representation to our clients and make sure to keep them informed about any updates in their case.

How much time to do I have to file a public transportation personal injury claim in Norwalk?

If you were hurt by a vehicle that is owned or operated by a district or government entity, in many states, there is only a brief period—sometimes less than 60 days—in which a claimant can sue a government body who may be responsible for an accident.

If you are pursuing a personal injury claim that is not against a government body, under Connecticut law, you must file a personal injury or property damage claim within two years of the date of the accident. If someone suffers a wrongful death, the two-year limit starts on the date of the victim’s death from their injuries.

You should reach out to an attorney sooner, rather than later, in order to have plenty of time to build a strong case. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the entire process, including state, local, and national transportation laws.

Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm with an excellent reputation for compassionate and aggressive lawyering

Lemberg Law has a reputation backed by 13 years of service and $50 million in recovery for 25,000 clients nationwide. We know personal injury law. You have rights, and you deserve the best representation available. All you need to do is send us your information for a free case evaluation, or call our Helpline today. We’re knowledgeable; we’re friendly; and we’re here to help. There is no charge unless we win.

Get Your No-Obligation
Case Evaluation

Send a secure message to our legal team.

What’s your name? What’s your name?
What’s your email address? What’s your email address?
What’s your phone number? What’s your phone number?
Briefly describe the problem Briefly describe the problem
Confidentiality Guarantee: We keep your information completely confidential and will not send you spam or sell your information.
By submitting above, I agree to the privacy policy and terms and consent to be contacted by an agent via phone call or text message at the phone number(s) listed above, including wireless number(s).