What Should I Do After An MTA Bus Accident?
Millions of passengers use The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to commute throughout Maryland each year. The MTA Maryland transit system is the thirteenth largest rapid transit system in the United States. It utilizes over 1,300 vehicles to provide service to Maryland residents and visitors 24 hours a day. The transit system includes local buses, light rail, the metro subway, Marc Train, commuter buses, and mobility vehicles. During 2016, the vast majority of riders used local buses over other MTA transportation options.
Preventable Accidents Involving MTA Buses
According to MDOT, there was an average of 1.70 preventable accidents per 100,000 miles traveled on MTA buses during 2016. Sadly, passengers on MTA buses can be seriously injured or killed in a bus accident. With the help of the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team, accident victims and their families can seek compensation for their injuries, losses, and damages caused by a bus accident in Maryland.
Steps to Take After an MTA Maryland Bus Accident
If you are injured in a bus accident, including when boarding a bus, getting off a bus, or while riding a bus, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Medical records documenting your injuries are particularly important in a bus accident claim. If possible, it can be helpful to take pictures or make a video immediately after the bus crash AND make sure you identify yourself as a passenger to the bus driver and the MTA Police when they arrive. Make sure you gather the driver and investigating officers contact information. It is also helpful to get contact information from other passengers and witnesses. However, do not endanger yourself or others in an attempt to gather evidence from the accident scene.
As soon as possible, you should contact our office for a free consultation with one of our bus accident attorneys. Claims involving injuries sustained because of an MTA vehicle can be difficult and complicated. An experienced bus accident lawyer can help you avoid mistakes that could cause your claim to be delayed or denied.
Common Causes of Maryland Bus Accidents
Bus accidents in Maryland occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the common factors that contribute to the cause of a bus accident include:
- Impaired driving (drunk driving or drugged driving)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Falling asleep behind the wheel or drowsy driving
- Following too closely
- Inexperienced drivers
- Failure to provide adequate training or supervision
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Hazardous or dangerous road conditions
- Poor weather conditions
- Faulty or defective equipment
- Poorly maintained equipment
- The bus driver
- Another motorist
- The MTA or other government agencies
- Contractors and sub-contractors
- Road crews and construction companies
- Parts manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Lost income
- Medical care
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental trauma
- Future damages and losses