Public transportation was designed to address the growing need for efficient and affordable ways to move people within and between cities. Early forms of transportation involved horse-drawn carriages and stagecoaches, which provided a quicker alternative to walking and a more affordable option than owning and maintaining a horse.
Today, advancements in technology have introduced buses and trains into the public transportation system, which have improved the speed and capacity at which people can get to their needed destinations. However, with more individuals riding on public transportation systems along with busier roads, more and more accidents have occurred.
While we generally think of public transportation systems as one of the safer options, the accidents that these modes of transportation can get into are often catastrophic. Serious injuries can leave the individuals impacted struggling to get their lives back on track. The high cost of medical bills and treatments, missed time at work affecting the amount of income coming into the home, and the emotional toll of the entire accident and recovery process can leave victims and their families in devastation.
But there is hope.
Hernandez Law Group, P.C. has been representing individuals injured in public transportation accidents since our founding in 1999. We have successfully recovered hundreds of millions for our clients. Our experienced legal team can help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. Contact us today for a complimentary case review.
Understanding Public Transportation Accidents in Texas
Public transportation refers to modes of transportation commonly used by residents and visitors of a city or metropolitan area and includes buses, trains, and taxis. Public transportation is a convenient and economical way to ensure that individuals are able to safely move about the city and between cities, keeping commerce healthy.
However, when an accident occurs, the aftermath can be life-changing. Unlike traditional car accidents where the parties involved are private individuals and their insurance companies, public transportation accidents often involve a government entity. This changes the rules that govern how individuals have their claims processed and their compensation given. It takes a dedicated and knowledgeable personal injury attorney to be able to navigate the additional challenges that come from a public transportation accident.
Types of Public Transportation Accidents
Public transportation accidents refer to any of the following:
- Train accidents
- Bus accidents
- Subway or metro accidents
- Taxi accidents
- Airplane accidents
How Common Are Public Transportation Accidents?
Unfortunately, despite the belief that public transportation is a safer mode of travel, accidents are more common than people realize. Here are the latest statistics for public transportation accidents:
- Bus accidents: The Texas Department of Transportation reported a total of 2,743 accidents in 2022.
- Train Accidents: The Federal Railroad Administration reported 818 train accidents in 2022.
- Airplane Accidents: The National Transportation Safety Board reported 179 fatal aviation crashes in the United States in 2024.
Common Causes of Dallas Public Transportation Accidents
Public transportation accidents can occur due to a wide range of causes. Here are the most common.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to adhere to traffic laws
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Inadequate training
- Defective parts
These accidents can range from minor fender benders to more severe accidents, such as an overturned bus. The Texas Department of Transportation reports thousands of public transit-accidents annually. These figures show the importance of understanding one’s right to fair compensation and why knowing your legal options is important.
Why You Need a Public Transportation Accident Lawyer in Dallas
For an individual to be able to successfully receive compensation for their accident, they have to prove that the party responsible breached their duty. In other words, the plaintiff has to prove that the defendant was negligent in their care toward their passengers. To prove negligence, these four elements must be established:
- The accident resulted in damages: The breach of duty resulted in the plaintiff getting injured and suffering damages.
- The liable party held a duty of care: For example, a bus driver has a duty of care to the passengers and other drivers on the road to follow all traffic laws.
- There was a breach of duty: For example, a bus driver was using their phone while driving.
- The breach of duty caused the accident: Because the bus driver was distracted while driving, they failed to see that the traffic in front of them had stopped, resulting in them rear-ending the car ahead of them.
The dedicated attorneys at the Hernandez Law Group, P.C. can help you show the necessary evidence to prove that the liable party was negligent in their actions. We will help you build a strong case, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses and damages. If you were injured in a public transportation accident, you will want to contact the attorneys at the Hernandez Law Group to schedule your free no-obligation consultation.
How Hernandez Law Group Helps Public Transportation Accident Victims
The Hernandez Law Group, P.C. has been fighting for individuals injured in a public transit accident since our founding in 1999. We have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, and boast an over 98% success rate. Our experienced attorneys will handle all parts of the legal process for you, from filing the claim to negotiating with the defendant’s attorney and insurance companies. We don’t let insurance companies bully our clients into accepting anything less than what they deserve.
We give you the space to focus on your recovery while we fight to ensure that you are getting the compensation needed to cover medical expenses and damages. We have a vast amount of knowledge and experience, which is why our attorneys are not afraid to take the fight to court. If we cannot negotiate a fair settlement outside of court, we will gladly take the case before a judge. We don’t back down from a challenge.
Compensation Available for Public Transportation Injuries in Texas
If you were injured in a public transportation accident, you may be entitled to the following types of compensation:
- Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium (in cases of wrongful death)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damages
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence
What Factors Impact the Value of My Compensation?
The value of the compensation you receive for your public transportation accident claim is influenced by several factors. These are as follows:
- The severity of your injuries
- Extent of your pain and suffering
- Identity of the at-fault party
- Insurance policy size
- Evidence of gross negligence
- Life and financial impact of the accident
Get the Justice You Deserve – Contact Hernandez Law Group for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a public transportation vehicle, you need experienced legal counsel. The attorneys at the Hernandez Law Group can help you get the compensation you deserve by holding the liable party responsible. We know the complexities that surround these types of cases and have a proven track record to show that we don’t let the negligent actions of others dictate the rest of our clients’ lives. Contact our team today for a free no-obligation consultation. Let our family fight for yours!
FAQs:
Public transportation accidents are any accidents that involve public transit. This can include trains, subways, buses, and airplanes.
Determining who is liable in a public transportation accident can be tricky, as multiple parties are involved. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the following parties could be found at fault:
– The driver of the transport vehicle
– The government entity that runs the transit system
– The manufacturer of the transport vehicle
– The mechanic who worked on the transport vehicle
Yes. You can sue the City of Dallas for a public transportation accident if the city bus driver or the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) agency was negligent.
Under the statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas, an individual must file a complaint within two years of the date of the accident. However, if it is the government agency that you are suing, you will have to submit a “notice of claim” within 180 days after the injury occurred.