Bus accidents can lead to very serious injuries, and the cases are often very complex. You may be suing a government entity, there may be multiple victims, and your case could include elements such as a defective vehicle, a defective roadway, and even premises liability. You need a car accident attorney who understands bus accidents and will fight for you all the way through trial if that’s what it takes to get fair compensation for your injuries.
Experienced Maryland bus accident attorneys Patrick D. Troxler and Teneshia M. Troxler will thoroughly investigate your accident and prepare your case to go to full jury trial.
To learn more about your rights and how we can help you and your family recover compensation for your injuries, please call today and schedule your free consultation.
Bus Accidents With No Crash
Horrific bus crashes do happen, but bus accident injuries often occur without a crash. It is very common, and the injuries can be very serious. You can recover full compensation for your injuries even if there was no crash. Examples of the types of accidents that can occur without a crash include:
- Slip and fall while boarding or exiting the bus
- Slip and fall on the bus
- Injuries caused by improperly operated bus door
- Injuries caused by malfunctioning bus door
- Pedestrians struck by the bus or another vehicle while boarding or exiting the bus
Train Accidents
Whether you’re traveling across the country or on your daily commute, millions of Americans rely on public transit to get them to their destinations in one piece. Unfortunately, when hurried or distracted drivers try to cross before a train pulls through or when conductors lose focus, accidents can happen.
Train accidents can cause overwhelming injuries and, in many circumstances, would not happen if laws, regulations, and maintenance standards were kept a top priority.
Liability in Bus and Train Accidents
Establishing liability in a bus or train accident requires a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and the parties responsible for maintaining safe operations. These accidents can result from mechanical failures, operator negligence, unsafe road or track conditions, or signal malfunctions. Liability may fall on multiple parties depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Examples of those who may be held liable in a Maryland bus or train accident include:
- Bus or train company (e.g., private operators, Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), Amtrak)
- Government agencies responsible for road, track, or transit maintenance
- Manufacturers or sellers of buses, trains, or defective parts
- Third-party contractors responsible for repairs, maintenance, or signal operations
- Property or business owners if hazardous conditions contributed to the accident
- Drivers or pedestrians whose negligence caused or contributed to the accident
- Freight or cargo companies if improperly loaded materials played a role
What to Do Immediately After a Bus or Train Accident
Taking the right steps after a bus or train accident can help protect your health and legal rights. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, it is important to document the incident and avoid making statements that could affect your claim. Follow these steps to safeguard your case:
- Prioritize safety:Â Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
- Seek medical attention:Â Get evaluated by a medical professional, even if you do not feel hurt.
- Report the accident:Â Notify the authorities and request an official report.
- Document the scene:Â Take photos of the accident, any visible injuries, and surrounding conditions.
- Gather witness information:Â Collect the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
- Note transportation details:Â Record the bus or train number, operator name, and any officials on the scene.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies:Â Do not give statements or sign documents before consulting a lawyer.
Differences Between Private and Public Transportation Accidents
Bus and train accidents can involve either private companies or government-operated transit systems, and the legal process differs for each. Cases against private transportation companies follow standard personal injury procedures, while claims involving public transit often have stricter deadlines and additional legal requirements.Â
Government agencies may have immunity in certain situations, making these cases more complex. Understanding these differences is important when seeking compensation, as missing deadlines or filing incorrectly can hurt your case.
Why Choose Troxler & Troxler for Your Case?
Patrick D. Troxler and Teneshia M. Troxler have the experience needed to handle complex bus and train accident cases. They know how to hold transportation companies, government agencies, and negligent parties accountable. Their thorough investigations and trial experience give clients a strong advantage in seeking fair compensation. Whether your case involves a crash, equipment failure, or unsafe conditions, they build a solid legal strategy to fight for you.
Troxler & Troxler protects injury victims in Waldorf, MD, and throughout Maryland. They have successfully handled cases involving serious injuries, wrongful death, and insurance disputes. Their knowledge of Maryland’s laws helps them push back against transportation companies and insurers that try to minimize claims. Whether through settlement or trial, they fight for the best outcome for their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Bus or Train Accident?
The time limit for filing a claim, known as the statute of limitations, depends on state laws and whether a government entity is involved. In Maryland, personal injury claims generally must be filed within three years from the date of the accident.Â
However, if a government-operated transit system is involved, shorter deadlines and special notice requirements may apply. Failing to file within the required timeframe can prevent you from recovering compensation.
What If I Was Injured as a Pedestrian or Bystander in a Bus or Train Accident?
Pedestrians and bystanders injured in bus or train accidents may still have the right to seek compensation. Liability may fall on the transportation company, government agency, or another negligent party. If a bus or train struck you or you were injured due to unsafe conditions at a station or stop, an investigation can determine who is responsible for your injuries.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning if you are found even partially at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This strict standard makes it especially important to have a lawyer review your case and build a strong argument against any claims of shared fault.
Are There Time Limits for Filing Claims Against Government-Operated Transit Systems?
Yes, claims against government-run transit systems, such as the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), often have much shorter deadlines. In Maryland, you may be required to file a notice of claim within one year of the accident before pursuing a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to seek compensation, so it is important to act quickly.
Can I Sue for Emotional Distress After a Bus or Train Accident?
Yes, emotional distress may be considered part of your damages if the accident caused significant psychological trauma. This could include anxiety, PTSD, or other emotional hardships resulting from the crash. To seek compensation, you will need to demonstrate how the accident impacted your mental and emotional well-being, often with medical or psychological evaluations.
Protect Your Rights After a Serious Transit Accident
If you have been injured in a bus or train accident in Maryland, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. Please call experienced Maryland bus and train accident attorneys Patrick D. Troxler and Teneshia M. Troxler at 888-513-9151 today or email us right away to schedule your free consultation.
