You may be able to claim compensation for injuries on public transport. If your injuries were caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, such as the public transport operator or another passenger, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries through a personal injury claim.
It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to assess your case and determine the best course of action for seeking compensation. In some cases, you may also be entitled to claim compensation through the public transport operator’s insurance policy.
What compensation can I claim if injured on public transport?
If you are injured on public transport, you may be able to claim compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You may be able to claim compensation for any medical expenses that were incurred as a result of your injuries, including hospital bills, medication costs, and physical therapy expenses.
- Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to claim compensation for lost wages, including any income that was lost during your recovery period.
- Pain and suffering: You may be able to claim compensation for any pain and suffering that you experienced as a result of your injuries, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Permanent disability: If your injuries resulted in a permanent disability, you may be able to claim compensation for the impact that this has had on your ability to work and enjoy life.
- Wrongful death: If your loved one was killed in a public transport accident, you may be able to claim compensation for the loss of their income and support, as well as the emotional pain and suffering that you have experienced.
It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine the specific compensation that you may be entitled to claim in your case.
Most common public transport injuries
The most common public transport injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls: Slips, trips, and falls are common injuries on public transport, due to crowded or slippery surfaces.
- Cuts and bruises: Cuts and bruises are common injuries on public transport, due to sharp or jagged edges or tight spaces.
- Sprains and strains: Sprains and strains, such as torn or stretched ligaments or muscles, are common injuries on public transport, due to sudden stops or turns.
- Fractures: Fractures, such as broken bones, are common injuries on public transport, due to falls or collisions.
- Head and brain injuries: Head and brain injuries, such as concussions or skull fractures, are common injuries on public transport, due to falls or collisions.
- Back and neck injuries: Back and neck injuries, such as herniated discs or whiplash, are common injuries on public transport, due to sudden stops or turns.
- Chest and abdominal injuries: Chest and abdominal injuries, such as punctured lungs or internal bleeding, are common injuries on public transport, due to collisions or falls.
- Dental injuries: Dental injuries, such as chipped or broken teeth, are common injuries on public transport, due to falls or collisions.
- Psychological injuries: Psychological injuries, such as anxiety or PTSD, are common injuries on public transport, due to traumatic events or harassment.
- Fatal injuries: Fatal injuries, such as death, are the most severe injury on public transport.
Most common causes of public transport injuries
The most common causes of public transport injuries include:
- Negligence: Negligence, such as failing to maintain the vehicle or provide safe conditions, is the leading cause of public transport injuries.
- Human error: Human error, such as speeding or reckless driving, is another common cause of public transport injuries.
- Mechanical failure: Mechanical failure, such as malfunctioning brakes or steering, is another common cause of public transport injuries.
- Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as poor visibility or weather conditions, is another common cause of public transport injuries.
- Road conditions: Road conditions, such as potholes or debris, is another common cause of public transport injuries.
- Traffic congestion: Traffic congestion, such as crowded roads or intersections, is another common cause of public transport injuries.
- Distractions: Distractions, such as using a cell phone or listening to music, is another common cause of public transport injuries.
- Intoxication: Intoxication, such as alcohol or drug use, is another common cause of public transport injuries.
- Passenger behavior: Passenger behavior, such as fighting or harassment, is another common cause of public transport injuries.
- Unauthorized operation: Unauthorized operation, such as allowing untrained or unqualified individuals to operate the vehicle, is another common cause of public transport injuries.
How to report a public transport injury
To report a public transport injury, you should follow the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: If you have been injured on public transport, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will ensure that your injuries are treated and documented, which will be important for any potential compensation claims.
- Report the accident: Once you have received medical attention, you should report the accident to the public transport operator. This can typically be done by contacting the operator’s customer service department or by filling out an accident report form. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the accident, including the time and location, the type of vehicle involved, and any witnesses to the accident.
- Gather evidence: After the accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. This can include taking photos of the accident scene, collecting contact information for witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the accident report.
- Consult with an attorney: If you have been injured on public transport in Los Angeles, it is recommended to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries.
- File a claim: If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, your attorney can assist you with filing the necessary paperwork and negotiating with the responsible party or their insurance company. It is important to keep in mind that there are time limits for filing personal injury claims in California, so it is important to act quickly to protect your rights.
How many people are injured on public transport in California?
It is difficult to determine the exact number of people who are injured on public transport in California, as the data is not readily available. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 3,600 fatalities and 192,000 injuries from public transportation accidents in the United States in 2018.
As California is the most populous state in the country, it is likely that a significant number of these accidents and injuries occurred in the state. It is important to always use caution and follow safety guidelines when using public transport to reduce the risk of injury.