According to the APTA (American Public Transportation Association), over 30 million people use mass transit on a daily basis. Unfortunately, some passengers are injured in Metro Accidents in College Park. People use mass transit to get to work, school, doctor appointments, and more. A business licensed to transport people for a fee is referred to as a common carrier, and these carriers are closely regulated by federal and state laws. These laws require carriers to take measures to avoid passenger injuries. The carrier’s duties of care include:
* Making entrances and exits safe with good lighting and a lack of obstructions
* Providing security to keep passengers safe
* Hiring qualified operators
* Maintaining vehicles’ motors and other moving parts
* Monitoring and correction of design flaws.
Common Reasons for Mass Transit Injuries
Most Metro Accidents in College Park occur because of collisions or criminal actions. A collision with a solid object or a vehicle typically results from a driver’s negligence. Drivers can be negligent by speeding, failing to follow traffic signals, falling asleep, or being intoxicated on the job. It is impossible for a carrier to offer 100% protection to passengers from other persons’ criminal behavior, but they must make reasonable attempts to prevent these acts. This can include taking measures such as hiring guards, requiring personnel background checks, and installing cameras.
Common Injuries
If a passenger is injured in Metro Accidents in College Park, they have the right to seek compensation for their losses. The most common injuries include:
* Whiplash
* Torn and sprained ligaments
* Back injuries
* Scrapes, cuts, and bruises
Serious injuries include herniated disks, broken bones, scarring, severed limbs, carbon monoxide poisoning, and death.
The Statute of Limitations
If a passenger is injured on mass transit and they wish to file a claim, they must do so within the statute of limitations. The deadline for filing a personal injury claim in Maryland is three years, and it is important for an injured victim to hire an injury attorney as soon as possible. If the claim is to be filed against a government-run transportation authority, Maryland law governs the disposition of the claim. Those with questions and concerns can find help with a College Park personal injury attorney from the Jaklitsch Law Group.
