As the cost of owning and operating your own vehicle continues to rise, more people are turning to public transportation as a way to cut costs. However, it seems as if public transportation accidents almost daily, particularly where public buses, trains, subways, or planes collide with the everyday driver. Public transportation accidents account for roughly 1.5% of all traffic fatalities in the United States.Even professional drivers can be reckless or neglectful when operating their vehicle, despite proper training.
Bus Accident Statistics in Missouri
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses have the highest rate of fatalities of all bus accidents. Typically, buses are short on safety precautions that you would see in a personal vehicle, such as seat belts and airbags, due to the nature of bus’s use. Buses just are not designed to reduce the impact of a collision. As a result, statistics show that injuries are less likely to occur when a passenger is sitting the middle of the bus.
In 2009, the Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles reported two fatalities involving public transportation. However, there were also over 400 injuries reported as well.
Legal Liability for Public Transportation Accidents
Public transportation vehicles are often referred to as “common carriers.” When you get on a bus or other form of public transportation, you are putting your life in the hands of someone who has specific training and knowledge regarding that particular vehicle. Because of this level of trust and additional training, drivers and operators of public transportation are held to a higher standard than individual drivers. They are expected to use the highest degree of care and diligence to ensure passenger safety.
As a passenger, you can initiate a lawsuit against the individual operating the public transportation if he or she did not use the level of care required to run that vehicle. Public transportation accidents are caused a variety of reasons, including the same issues that plague individual drivers such as texting and driving or intoxication. When a bus driver does not keep a careful lookout for other vehicles, the bus company can be liable for your damages as a result of the accident.
Law about liability for public transportation accidents can be complicated because some forms of public transit are run by the state or municipality in which they operate. In Missouri, however, when a public employee is operating a motor vehicle in the course of their employment, the city or municipality may be liable for their negligent acts or omissions in many situations.
Getting Legal Help with Your Personal Injury on Public Transportation
Public transportation accidents can be tricky in terms of legal liability. However, you should not assume that you do not have a case simply because you are injured on public transportation. Instead, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can thoroughly discuss your options with you. The team at the Noland Law Firm can be a valuable resource. Contact us by calling 816-781-5055. We offer free consultations and serve the entire Kansas City area.
