Mass transit is essential for tens of thousands of New Jersey residents each day. Whether it is the light rail or buses, these services make it faster and easier for commuters to get around. Although you may reach your destination faster, public transportation is not without its hazards. We often assist clients with personal injury claims as a result of harm suffered on mass transit services.
According to Fox News, New Jersey Transit has one of the highest accident rates in the country due to dozens of safety violations.
Causes of accidents
There are many parties potentially responsible for events that lead to rider injury. You may have come to harm due to driver negligence, which could include inexperience, speeding, fatigue, drug or alcohol impairment. The operator or government entity may also inadvertently cause injuries with poorly designed or maintained roads and rails, using defective or faulty parts, lack of training or inadequate safety measures.
Types of injuries
Lack of safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts, can also result in catastrophic injuries when accidents happen at high speeds. Due to the use of mass transit through densely populated areas, bystanders may also sustain injuries when a collision occurs. The most common mass transit injuries include the following:
- Fractures
- Injuries to the arms and legs
- Spinal cord damage
- Damage to the neck and head
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may have an extended hospital stay and require physical therapy. If the damage is catastrophic, you could require assistance and medical care for the rest of your life. By pursuing a claim, you could get the compensation you deserve that covers medical expenses, lost wages and other costs related to your injury.
