Riding Mass Transit is Not Without Risk: What to Do if You Have Been Involved a Train Accident
In September, a New Jersey Transit commuter train raced into the Hoboken terminal at double the speed limit and crashed, killing one woman and injuring over 100 people. At the close of the year, a woman was struck and killed at the Morristown train station. Over the past five years, there have been over 150 train accidents in New Jersey. Riding mass transit is safer than riding in a car but no mode of transportation is without risk. And, due to the larger number of passengers on trains, when there is an accident, more individuals may be harmed. If you are involved in a train accident, it is important to follow certain safety measures.
Train travel: important safety measures
When traveling via train or any other form of public transportation, it is important to pay attention. These modes of transport regularly issue announcements during travel, such as changes in track number, arrival and departure times, as well as safety instructions during an emergency. If you are involved in train accident, listen to any announcements regarding the incident and any instructions that follow. When exiting the train, if no assistance is provided, look for an emergency exit and proceed carefully. Immediately contact the police and emergency services once you have safely exited the train and are out of danger.
Seek immediate medical attention
Sometimes, individuals involved in accidents postpone seeking medical attention when the injuries are not obvious or seem minimal. It is important to receive medical attention after any accident in case there are internal or other injuries that may be difficult to detect. Retain all medical records as these documents will be valuable in the event of a lawsuit.
Types of compensation
Train accident victims may incur debilitating and life-altering injuries, which may greatly reduce quality of life. Determining who is liable for injuries depends upon the specific circumstances of the accident; compensation may be received from the transit authority, the train engineer or the train conductor. Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Loss of future income
- Physical rehabilitation costs
- Live-in care assistance expenses
The statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents is usually two years, but claims against public entities require that a notice of claim must be filed within 90 days, so if you or someone you love has been involved in a train accident, contact our office as soon as possible so we can guide you through the process before the statute of limitations expires.
Experienced legal counsel you can rely on
Battling a behemoth insurance company or a major transportation authority in pursuit of damages can be a daunting endeavor. The skilled New Jersey injury attorneys at the Leonard Legal Group have knowledge and experience in personal injury law and are dedicated to assisting accident victims secure the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a train accident or suffered an injury in another type of accident, do not wait to file a personal injury claim. Contact our office today at (973) 984-1414 or online to schedule a free consultation.