If you or a family member has been injured on Maryland or Washington, D.C. public transportation, chances are you have many questions. The following is the Howie Law Firm LLC list of answers to frequently asked questions about public transportation accidents. We hope you find them to be of help:
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Q. What are the most common causes of Metrorail injuries?
A. Many Metrorail accidents occur not on the train (or subway) as much as they do on the platforms. Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents are more common than you might imagine: Stairways may have repair issues or simply be slippery. Security issues can include rail patrons being attacked or pushed onto tracks. Train-related accidents may include “crush” injuries, where doors close on hands, arms or legs. Rarely, this may result in accidental amputation of a limb.
Q. What are the most common causes of Metrobus injuries?
A. Crashes are perhaps the most common cause of injuries to Metrobus passengers. Bike riders and pedestrians have been run over or hit by buses, particularly on crowded urban streets. Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents are also common, particularly as passengers are getting on and off the bus. Driver negligence, driver fatigue, equipment failure or maintenance issues can all be factors in bus accidents.
Q. Why is it harder to sue public transportation entities?
A. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is a self-regulating, self-insured public transportation entity funded by the governments of Washington, D.C. and the states of Maryland and Virginia. When an accident occurs, WMATA conducts its own investigation and comes up with its own conclusions. If you have been injured on a Metrobus or the Metrorail – whether as a passenger or a pedestrian, or as the driver of a vehicle struck by a bus – it is a good idea to get immediate and experienced help from a public transportation accident lawyer.
Q. Is there a deadline for filing a claim for an injury on public transportation?
A. Yes, you must file your claim within three years of the date of the accident/injury.