Public Transit Accident Lawyers in Kingsport and Ottawa
Throughout Ontario, citizens use our public transportation and ride-share services to get to and from work, school, and other destinations. Although our public transportation is one of the safest methods of getting where we need to go, we also know that public transportation accidents can and do happen, causing rollovers, ejections, and, consequently, injuries to passengers and other drivers. Pedestrians are often vulnerable to being injured by vehicles operated by our public transit systems.
The Risk of Public Transportation
Although public transportation is convenient and cost-effective for many people, it does come with risk. Public transportation travels millions of kilometres each year and owes their passengers and other drivers and pedestrians the same duty of care that other drivers owe. But recently, one public transportation operator suggested that approximately 46 percent of its accidents could have been prevented. A portion of this figure was due to negligence.
Numerous Variables
Our public transportation system encompasses numerous variables and injury claims can be complex. In most cases, insurance claims will go through the injured party’s own insurance. But what happens if these benefits are insufficient? What happens when there was negligence involved? Unfortunately, when an accident occurs, it is often not clear where a claim should be filed or where the cause or liability lies. It can be with
Maintenance of the transportation vehicle
Defective equipment
Equipment failure
Management company
Infrastructure
Another driver
Weather conditions
PASSENGERS OR DRIVERS WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A PUBLIC TRANSIT ACCIDENT CAN FILE A CLAIM FOR :
Expenses for physical therapy and rehabilitation
Lost wages due to inability to work
In-home assistance for personal needs
Determining Fault
You may also be entitled to sue the at-fault party for compensation. In most cases, determining fault requires an investigation. At times, the cause of the accident can be attributed to more that one variable. Sometimes, an injury claim against a large operator gets mired in bureaucracy. Pursuing a claim for a public transit accident in Kingston or Ottawa is complex and requires the skill of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Understand Your Rights
In the case of public transit accidents, injuries and the resulting expenses can be extensive. Getting professional legal advice is paramount when dealing with compensation and timelines. In these cases, it is important to consult with a professional who understands the legal system as it pertains to public transportation. Before accepting an insurance settlement, a victim should fully understand his or her rights.
