What Do I Do After A Light Rail Accident In Maryland?
The light rail service in Maryland opened in 1992. Since that time, millions of people throughout Maryland have utilized the light rail service as a convenient and inexpensive form of transportation. In 2016, the light rail system transported over 7.4 million passengers. One of the goals of the Maryland Transportation Administration (MTA) is to provide safe and reliable transportation to Maryland residents and visitors. However, accidents involving the light rail system can cause injuries for passengers and others.
According to MTA safety information, the light rail may experience fewer accidents than the bus system, but it does have more accidents than the metro system. During 2016, there was an average of 0.40 preventable accidents per 100,000 miles traveled. While the MTA exercises care to prevent accidents by taking reasonable precautions, it is not possible to prevent all accidents.
What Should a Passenger Do If Injured in a Light Rail Accident?
As with any injury, it is best to be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible after the incident. Even if you do not believe your injury is serious, it is still best to see a doctor as quickly as possible. You will need medical documentation of your injury to recover compensation from the MTA or another responsible party. Furthermore, a delay in medical treatment could be used against you to deny or undervalue your injury claim.
If you are injured in a light rail accident, while boarding or departing a light rail car, or while riding on the light rail, you need to report the injury immediately. You can contact the Maryland Transit Administration by calling 1-866-743-3682. However, dealing with the MTA can be difficult. If you do not follow the legal steps required to file an injury claim, you could lose your right to recover compensation for a light rail injury in Maryland.
Therefore, we urge you to contact a member of our Pinder Plotkin Legal Team immediately for a free consultation. Our Maryland light rail accident attorneys understand the procedure for protecting your legal rights after an injury on the light rail.
Injuries Sustained in Light Rail Accidents
The types of injuries that accident victims may sustain in light rail accidents are similar to other accident injuries. Depending on the type of accident and the severity of the accident, you could sustain injuries such as:
- Abrasions and lacerations
- Broken bones or fractures
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries, scarring, or disfigurement
- Neck and shoulder injuries, including whiplash
- Internal bleeding and damage to internal organs
- Hiring experienced operators
- Providing adequate training and supervision of operators
- Hiring trained and experienced technicians and maintenance personnel
- Conducting routine maintenance
- Making repairs promptly
- Reviewing and updating safety procedures
- Conducting routine inspections of the rail tracks