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
Regardless of the severity of your injury, you deserve to be compensated for your losses and damages if you are injured in a light rail accident. Before you discuss your injuries with an insurance adjuster or other representative for the MTA, contact our office to speak with a Maryland light rail accident lawyer. Who is Liable for a Light Rail Injury in Maryland? In many cases, the MTA is a party to an action to recover damages for a light rail injury in Maryland. The MTA has the responsibility to oversee the operation of the light rail system. Because it operates a public transportation system, the MTA has a duty to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of its passengers. Reasonable safety measures may include, but are not limited to:
  • 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
However, the MTA may not be the only party to a light rail injury claim. There could be other parties involved, depending on the circumstances and the cause of the accident. For example, if a defective part was a factor in the cause of an injury, a manufacturer could be a party to the claim. A maintenance company or other third party could also be liable for a light rail accident. Other government agencies may also be named as liable parties. Our Maryland light rail injury attorneys conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify all liable parties. It is important to name all parties who could be liable for your injuries to increase the chance that you receive maximum compensation for your damages. In addition to investigating the cause of the crash, our lawyers take steps to protect your right to file a claim such as placing parties on notice of a claim and demanding that key evidence, such as logs and records, are preserved. Contact a Maryland Light Rail Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Review If you were injured on the light rail, we want to help. Our Pinder Plotkin Legal Team is here to provide the support, guidance, and legal advice you need as you recover from your injuries. Contact our office by telephone at 410-525-5337 to schedule your free consultation with a Parkville light rail accident attorney.   The information provided in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject. The information contained in this blog is also subject to change and should not be relied upon. Contact the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team for a FREE consultation.
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