Recovering From Vehicle Accidents
Public transportation is a major convenience in communities across the world. Being able to get around the town reliably is something that most of us take for granted. Unfortunately, public transportation can come with risks. If a passenger suffers injuries on public transportation, what can the passenger do to recover?
Here at HURST BOLEKY LLC, we have more than 25 years of experience in fighting for the best possible outcome in personal injury claims. Our long history of success has given us a strong reputation in our community. Our experience has made us compassionate to the needs of our clients, and we dedicate our team to your brightest futures.
Public Transportation Risks
In Chicago, you will find many modes of transportation. These include cars, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, semi trucks and delivery trucks, limousines, party buses and trolleys, taxicabs, ridesharing vehicles such as Uber and Lyft, passenger trains such as Metra and Amtrak, city-owned mass transit options, including Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and elevated or “El” trains, freight trains, airplanes, tour boats and cruise ships, school buses and hotel shuttle buses.
While there are advantages in having so many means of transportation, any individual, whether a driver, cyclist, passenger or pedestrian, faces the risk of potential injury or loss of life when he or she utilizes any of these means. No matter the means of transportation, the operator of the vehicle has several responsibilities such as proper licensing and training, staying alert, operating the vehicles at a proper speed, maintaining a proper lookout and proper speed, and regularly inspecting the vehicle to ensure all parts are fully functional and working properly.
Driving Risks
A negligent or reckless driver must be held accountable when their behavior causes injury or death to other drivers, passengers, bicyclists or pedestrians with whom they share the road. Distracted driving has become a progressively common cause of transportation accidents with the increase in the use of mobile devices such as cellphones while driving. This may be especially common during rideshare trips, as drivers receive notifications and follow GPS directions on their mobile devices.
Other hazards of ride-sharing may include a driver’s inexperience or lack of familiarity maneuvering through busy city streets. Bus, trolley, shuttle and limousine drivers must have the proper training to safely operate these vehicles that are considerably larger but much more limited in maneuverability than most vehicles.
Other Threats In Public Transportation
Train accidents often involve substantial injuries, damage and destruction due to their massive size and weight and high speeds. Negligence on behalf of a train operator or railroad may cause or contribute to train derailments, defective equipment and collisions with other trains, vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians, especially at railroad crossings.
Boat and ship operators are faced with similar hazards as motor vehicle drivers, like mechanical problems or collisions with other water vessels or stationary objects; however, the added element of water also adds risks such as slippery surfaces that may cause a passenger to fall overboard and drown. Boating accidents are frequently caused by reckless operation, involving speed or alcohol.
Chicago is home to two major airports: O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. An aviation accident may occur as a result of human error or mechanical error, or sometimes both. The most common causes of airplane accidents are pilot or air traffic controller error or negligence, an equipment defect, malfunction or design flaw, improper or poor maintenance of the aircraft, poor weather conditions and a violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Victims Deserve Fair Compensation
The person injured by the catastrophic injury may seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and physical disabilities, and disfigurement caused by the incident.
Our experience as litigators prepares us to take your claim before the judge as we advocate for you. You deserve compensation that covers the current and future costs of your injury. To consult with our office regarding a potential motor vehicle or transportation accident claim, please call 312-346-6800 or complete and submit the contact form. We urge you to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all of your rights are protected.
