Mass transit is a vital aspect of everyday life for countless Michigan residents, but it also presents a significant risk. When an accident occurs on a train, bus, or other transit vehicle, injuries are frequently devastating or even fatal.
At Miller, Tischler, & Vislosky, P.C., we proudly protect the rights of mass transit accident victims throughout Michigan. When someone else’s careless actions change your life forever, you deserve justice. We stand ready to fight for that justice on your behalf. Contact us at our office in Farmington Hills today to learn more.
Types of Mass Transit Accidents We Handle
Mass transit accidents involve many different vehicles and operators. Each type of case presents unique legal considerations that require the skill and knowledge of a seasoned attorney to handle.
Our Michigan mass transit accident attorneys have extensive experience with the following types of cases.
Public Bus Accidents
Public buses operate daily in crowded streets and residential neighborhoods. A single mistake by a driver or transit authority can cause catastrophic harm. Our law firm represents clients injured in accidents involving:
- City and municipal buses
- County and regional transit buses
- School-related buses
These cases often involve sudden stops, pedestrian strikes, intersection collisions, or rollover accidents. Our public bus accident lawyers hold at-fault parties accountable when their negligence leads to serious injury or death.
Private and Charter Bus Accidents
Private and charter buses transport passengers for tours, airports, sporting events, and corporate events. While these buses can offer a ton of convenience, the companies that run them frequently prioritize schedules and profits over safety, and the consequences can prove tragic.
Our law firm handles accident cases involving:
- Charter and tour buses
- Casino and entertainment shuttles
- Airport and hotel shuttle services
We investigate the incident to identify driver fatigue, poor training, mechanical failures, and unsafe company policies, and then we fight for full accountability.
Other Mass Transit Incidents
Not every mass transit case involves a collision. Dangerous conditions and negligent operations can also cause serious harm to passengers or pedestrians.
Our law firm handles cases involving:
- Pedestrian and cyclist accidents
- Unsafe boarding and exiting conditions
- Overcrowding and inadequate training and supervision
- Passenger falls caused by hazardous conditions
Our mass transit accident attorneys investigate the incident to determine whether transit providers followed safety rules and met their legal obligation to protect the people who rely on their services. When they fall short, we fight to hold them accountable.
Common Causes of Mass Transit Accidents
It’s an unfortunate fact that most mass transit accidents result from preventable errors, whether it’s poor oversight, ignored safety standards, inadequate training, or a brief moment of inattention.
Some of the most common causes of mass transit accidents our Michigan law firm sees include:
- Driver or operator negligence
- Fatigue and excessive work schedules
- Distracted operation
- Speeding or unsafe maneuvers
- Mechanical failures or poor maintenance
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Dangerous road or track conditions
Each of these causes can represent a valid personal injury claim. Our Farmington Hills mass transit accident lawyers can investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and then build a compelling case for the recovery you deserve.
Catastrophic Injuries in Mass Transit Accidents
Mass transit vehicles are far larger and heavier than the average car, and they carry large numbers of passengers without seat belts, which means that accidents have a high potential for severe, life-altering injuries.
Some of the most common catastrophic injuries our mass transit accident lawyers see include:
Our Farmington Hills attorneys work closely with medical and financial experts to assess the true impact of your injuries on your daily life and finances so that no stone is left unturned when calculating for maximum compensation.
Who May Be Liable in a Mass Transit Accident?
Michigan mass transit accidents can prove complicated due to the various potentially liable parties. Identifying these parties plays a critical role in all catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Public transit authorities
- Municipalities and government agencies
- Private transit companies
- Drivers and vehicle operators
Government Liability and Notice Requirements in Michigan
Claims involving government entities have unique rules and stricter deadlines in Michigan. Generally, you must file a Notice of Claim within 120 days of the incident, and sometimes even less. You then have a short timeframe for filing a lawsuit, typically between six months and two years, rather than the usual three years for other personal injury lawsuits.
Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering compensation entirely. An experienced mass transit accident lawyer can help you understand your responsibilities and protect your rights.
What Compensation Might Be Available After a Mass Transit Accident?
Mass transit accident compensation can cover both the financial losses and the physical and emotional damage caused by the negligent party. Your lawyer will likely seek compensation for the following on your behalf:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you’ve lost a loved one in a mass transit accident, you may have a valid wrongful death claim. Wrongful death compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses before the deceased’s passing, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
How a Mass Transit Accident Lawyer Can Help
Mass transit accident cases often involve powerful defendants, complicated regulations, complex insurance policies, and unique evidence. An experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. The attorneys at Miller, Tischler, & Vislosky, P.C. can help by:
- Reviewing Your Case for Free: Sit down with us for a free, no-obligation consultation where we can discuss the details of your case and inform you of your legal options.
- Investigating and Gathering Evidence: We’ll launch an immediate investigation to identify all liable parties and seek out all available evidence.
- Managing Deadlines: These cases frequently involve government entities, meaning tighter timelines and stricter requirements. We can protect your rights by handling both.
- Calculating Compensation: We utilize medical professionals and financial experts to determine the full value of your claim.
- Dealing with Insurers: Insurance companies will fight tooth and nail to minimize your payout. We handle all communications with them to protect your rights.
- Negotiating and Litigating: We’ll advocate aggressively for your best interests when it comes time to negotiate for a fair settlement. If insurers won’t play fair, we’ll file a lawsuit, and a seasoned trial lawyer will take your claim to court.
Contact a Mass Transit Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in a Michigan mass transit accident, you need an experienced attorney to protect your rights. The team at Miller, Tischler, & Vislosky, P.C. has extensive experience with these uniquely complicated personal injury cases. We will fight to hold the at-fault party accountable while you focus on recovery.
Contact us at our Farmington Hills office today for your free consultation.
