Mass transit companies transport millions and millions of people each day on buses, trains, and trolleys. Most of the time, these companies hire dedicated operators who are experienced and knowledgeable. However, mass transit systems can be extremely large and complex, and sometimes mistakes are made.
Mass transit companies are often either owned and operated by the local government or operated through a contract with the government. When an accident occurs, there may be several liable parties, depending on the circumstances of the accident. In some cases, responsible parties may attempt to convince the court that they are immune from liability. In other cases, unfair settlement offers are made early in the process to try to make the case “go away” as cheaply as possible for the city or its insurance company. Anyone injured in a Maryland or Washington, D.C mass transit accident should consult with a dedicated personal injury attorney to discuss their case.
Trolley Accident in Philadelphia Injures 50
Earlier this month, an accident involving two trolleys in Philadelphia injured roughly 50 people. According to an industry news source, the National Transportation Safety Board – the government entity charged with the investigation of certain highway accidents – initiated a probe into the accident, looking at collision avoidance technology and the level of oversight of individual operators. The trolleys were operated by the local mass transit carrier, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). SEPTA is also responsible for the network of local above- and below-ground trains.
Evidently, a Route 10 trolley was operating on a section of track in the West Philadelphia region of the city when another Route 10 trolley came from behind, crashing into the first trolley. Investigators have not yet discovered why the two trolleys were so close together, noting that they are usually about 10 minutes apart.
All 44 passengers as well as both trolley operators were injured in the accident and transported to the hospital. Many passengers reported neck and back injuries. Thankfully, no one was fatally injured, and all of the parties are expected to make full recoveries. There is no indication of whether any personal injury claims have been filed in the wake of the accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Mass Transit Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a mass transit or truck accident in the Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. areas, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. However, these companies have dedicated defense counsel on hand to represent them against these very claims, and they are adept at deflecting liability whenever they can. Make sure that you also have a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney in your corner. The skilled injury attorneys at the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience handling all types of personal injury cases and are happy to meet with you to discuss yours. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Weather-Related Truck Accident Involves 53 Vehicles, Claims Three Lives, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 19, 2016.
Semi-Truck Drivers and the Responsibility They Owe to the Public, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 4, 2017.