With gas prices rising, many people are thinking of taking mass transit to commute and get around town. While public transit has always been an environmentally sound choice, now it is a fiscally sound one. But this method of transportation requires a level of trust. Driving ourselves around town is one thing, but being at the mercy of a transit driver is another thing entirely. Personal injury prevention may not be top of mind when you hop the bus to work, but it may become necessary if there is an accident. While most of the time, we are just along for a relaxing ride, an accident on public transit could complicate the matter.
Being involved in a car accident is stressful no matter the situation, so the best thing to do (as always) is to keep your head and your wits about you. You may be confused and wonder who the best person to call may be – especially since you were not the operator of the vehicle.
Here are some basic guidelines to follow if you were a passenger on public transit and were involved in an accident.
- Listen carefully to any instructions from the bus, train, or trolley operator. The drivers of public transit vehicles have been thoroughly trained in emergency situations and how to keep public safety a priority even after a crash.
- If you are able, check on the people around you. As long as you are not hurt, ensure the other passengers are not hurt or harmed. Call 911 to report the accident – often, people assume that someone else has made the call. Be proactive and alert first responders of the situation as soon as possible.
- Take a good look at your surroundings, and note any details that may be useful to medical and law enforcement personnel. Staying safe after the accident is essential for you and the other passengers. If you are unhurt, check to ensure that the vehicle is not in a perilous position, as it may be necessary to get out of the vehicle and get to a safe location. The specific situation (and the operator, if they are able) will indicate whether it is safer to sit in your seat and await help or stay clear of the vehicle.
- Take photographs of the scene of the accident if you can do so safely. Accidents are scary and chaotic, making it difficult for people to remember exactly what happened. Securing evidence of the accident and the accident scene may help you significantly should you decide to sue the town or municipality. There is no such thing as “too many pictures” or “too much evidence.” Gather as much as possible and let your attorney work out what is useful and what is not.
It is the responsibility of the city to provide you with safe transportation. In the event of an accident, the most important thing to make sure of is your safety. Stay calm, listen to operator and law enforcement instructions, take lots of photos, and ensure you are located safely. You should also call a personal injury attorney as soon as you can. It is easier to build a case when the details of the accident are fresh. Following these tips can maximize your opportunity to get any compensation you deserve.
Probinsky & Cole is a personal injury law firm with offices in Tampa, Orlando, and Sarasota. We specialize in helping accident victims to get the compensation they deserve.
