Millions of people use mass transit options every day in Maryland to get from place to place. The Maryland Transit Administration provides commuters with transportation such as MARC trains and BaltimoreLink buses. Commuters put great trust in transportation operators to safely get them to where they need to be. Unfortunately, like all other methods of transportation, mass transit accidents can occur. When transportation services and their waiting areas are not properly maintained, they can cause harm to many people. If a transit administration is negligent in providing a safe environment, they may be held liable for injuries. It is important to have an experienced attorney at your side if you were injured because of a mass transit accident.
Causes of Injuries
Maryland’s Department of Transportation is responsible for ensuring the safety of all mass transit riders. This includes proper routine inspections of all vehicles and platform sites. It also requires drivers to be fully competent and pay attention while operating any mass transit vehicle. When they fail to do so, accidents can happen. There are numerous different factors in mass transit accidents. This may include:
- Derailments
- Faulty equipment
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Driver/technician negligence
- Poorly maintained waiting areas
- Slip and falls
- Product malfunction
Negligence
Municipalities and drivers have a duty to maintain safe transportation services for the people of Maryland. Because of this, it is possible for them to be held responsible for any injuries that may be sustained on a mass transit vehicle at their expense. In order for an individual to hold another party liable for their injury, they must provide proof that their injuries were a direct result of that party’s negligence and inability to provide their duty of care.
If the individual is successful in doing so, they may be able to recover damages for their injury. These damages may be financial and nonfinancial. Examples may include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations
In Maryland, an injured person has a limitation on the time they are given to file a claim against another party. Filing a claim states an the individual’s intention to take legal action against another person or the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). However, there is a different statute of limitations depending on who an injured person plans to file against. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is 3 years from the date of the accident. If a claim is being filed against the MTA, victims only have 1 year from the date of the accident.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a mass transit accident and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi today.
The legal team at Markey & Orsi has proudly represented clients who have been injured throughout the state of Maryland due to the negligence of another party for nearly 30 years. If you require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.
