Public Transportation Accidents in San Diego

Involved in an accident with a train, trolley, or bus?

When we step onto the bus or The Trolley, we expect it to deliver us where we want to go, safely and relatively on time. After all, the drivers of light rail trains, trolleys, school buses, metro buses, taxicabs, and shuttle buses are supposed to be highly trained. Each day they are entrusted with the safety of their passengers and other motorists on the road. Sometimes, however, they are not properly trained or they make an error.

Such inexperience can lead to disastrous results.

When the bus isn't on time, it is not a violation of our legal rights. However, when a person gets hurt or killed in a light rail or bus accident, the disabled individual or the family of the deceased may indeed have a legal right to compensation for the loss. If you've been injured in a trolley accident or other public transportation accident, our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation from the responsible organization.

The Importance of Acting Quickly After an Accident

All personal injury and wrongful death claims must be brought within certain time limits. If the claim is against a mass transit agency such as the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, you may have to act even more quickly to secure your right to seek compensation via a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. To learn more about our reputation for excellence in serious injury cases, call (619) 215-1488 to schedule your free consultation.

What is a Mass Transit Accident?

A mass transit accident refers to any incident involving public transportation vehicles that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. Common types of mass transit accidents include:

• Bus Accidents: These can involve collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects, as well as rollovers, jackknifing, or incidents caused by mechanical failures.
• Limo Accidents: Limo accidents may occur due to driver error, such as speeding, reckless driving, or distracted driving. Mechanical failures or poor road conditions can also contribute to accidents involving limousines.
• Taxi Cab Accidents: Similar to other vehicular accidents, taxi cab accidents can result from various factors such as driver negligence, adverse weather conditions, or malfunctioning equipment.
• Shuttle Bus Accidents: These accidents can happen during shuttle bus operation, loading and unloading passengers, or while navigating through traffic. Factors contributing to shuttle bus accidents include driver fatigue, inadequate maintenance, or road hazards.
• Tourist Bus Accidents: Accidents involving tourist buses often occur due to unfamiliarity with the area, driver fatigue from long hours of operation, or lack of proper maintenance.
• Trolley Accidents: Trolley accidents may involve derailments, collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians, or malfunctions of the trolley system itself.
• Train Accidents: While not technically mass transit in the same sense as buses or taxis, train accidents are significant events that can cause mass casualties and extensive damage. Train accidents can result from derailments, collisions, or mechanical failures.
• Subway Accidents: Subway accidents can occur due to derailments, train-to-train collisions, or incidents involving passengers such as falls onto the tracks.

Common Causes of Mass Transit Accidents

Mass transit accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are similar to the causes of accidents involving individual vehicles. However, the scale and complexity of mass transit operations introduce additional risk factors.

Here are some common causes of mass transit accidents:

• Human Error: This is one of the most prevalent causes of mass transit accidents. Human errors can include driver negligence, distracted driving, speeding, failure to obey traffic signals, and fatigue. Inadequate training or supervision of operators can also contribute to accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in the vehicle's mechanical systems, such as brakes, steering, tires, or engine components, can lead to accidents. Failure to properly maintain and inspect vehicles can increase the likelihood of mechanical failures.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or strong winds can impair visibility, reduce traction, and increase stopping distances, making accidents more likely. Operators must adjust their driving behavior accordingly to mitigate the effects of adverse weather.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, potholes, uneven pavement, or debris on the roadway can pose hazards to mass transit vehicles. These conditions can contribute to loss of control, collisions, or damage to vehicles.
• Vehicle Overcrowding: Overcrowded vehicles can compromise passenger safety by impeding evacuation in emergencies, obstructing exits, and increasing the risk of falls and injuries during sudden stops or maneuvers.
• Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic congestion can increase the risk of accidents involving mass transit vehicles by reducing maneuverability, increasing travel times, and heightening driver stress and frustration.
• Infrastructure Issues: Problems with mass transit infrastructure, such as track defects, signal failures, or electrical malfunctions in subway systems, can lead to accidents. Poorly designed or maintained infrastructure can create hazards for mass transit operators and passengers.
• Operator Fatigue: Long hours of operation, irregular schedules, and inadequate rest periods can lead to operator fatigue, impairing judgment, reaction times, and alertness. Fatigued operators are more prone to making errors and are less able to respond effectively to changing road conditions.
• Passenger Behavior: Disorderly conduct, aggressive behavior, or unauthorized interference with vehicle controls by passengers can distract operators and create safety hazards.
• Inadequate Safety Regulations: Weak or poorly enforced safety regulations, including lax standards for vehicle maintenance, operator training, and hours of service, can increase the likelihood of accidents.

Turn to The McClellan Law Firm for Dedicated Counsel

The McClellan Law Firm is fortunate to have built up a powerful team to mount strong cases on our clients' behalf with the goal of obtaining just compensation. We have a reputation for getting results, especially in cases involving complex injury claims. A victim of a public bus accident or train derailment deserves representation from a law firm that can stand up against the resources of the government body responsible for the accident.

For more than two decades, The McClellan Law Firm have represented people who were severely injured and the families of those who were killed. In fact, we have recovered more than $250 million for our clients over our 25-year history. If you or a loved one has been injured in a light rail or other public transportation accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We are ready to fight for the level of compensation you deserve!