There are many people who use public transportation in Maryland every day. The Maryland Transportation Administration (MTA) provides buses and trains. Commuters who are waiting for these modes of transportation usually do so in the bus or train station on the platform. Generally, these are safe places that do not pose much of a threat to commuters. However, if they are not maintained properly, they can become dangerous. When injuries are sustained as a result of this, it is important for victims to retain the services of an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney.
What Are Some Causes of Bus and Train Accidents?
Many accidents that happen at a waiting platform for a train or bus are the result of a municipality’s negligence. This may be the case if they fail to take care of the station and its platforms. The following are common causes of accidents that occur in these locations:
- Poor lighting
- Broken stairwells
- Malfunctioning elevators or escalators
- Lack of surveillance
- Cracks on the platforms
Recovering Compensation
When a passenger is injured due to negligence, they can pursue legal action by filing a personal injury claim. The individual is required to prove that their injuries occurred as a direct result of that negligence. This can be done with evidence such as medical documentation of the injuries, security footage of the accident, pictures of the hazard that caused the accident, a police report, witness statements, and more.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
After a personal injury accident, it is important to not wait too long to pursue legal action if you wish to do so. This is because there is a statute of limitations in place. In Maryland, this is typically three years from the date of the injury. However, in the event of a station or platform accident, the individual would be filing a lawsuit against a municipality. When this happens, they are required to file a Notice of Claim instead, letting the municipality know a lawsuit is being filed against them. The deadline for these claims is six months to one year after the accident occurs. Failure to meet the deadline can result in being denied legal action and the chance to recover financial compensation.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Howard County and Anne Arundel County, Maryland who have been charged with a crime or injured by another party’s negligence. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
