There were almost 600 collisions involving school buses and other publicly-owned vehicles in Kentucky in a recent year, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
When a public transportation accident occurs, those injured or families who have lost loved ones may have a right to seek compensation for their losses. However, public transportation accident claims are more challenging to pursue than a typical auto accident claim. You will need an experienced personal injury attorney to guide you through the claims process.
It takes courage to stand up to a local government or school district after a serious accident. At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our public transportation accident attorneys are known for their determination and Kentucky Courage. Our personal injury lawyers will stand with you during this difficult time and fight to make you financially whole.
Types of Public Kentucky Transportation Accidents
Kentucky counties offer public transportation through van or bus service. Local school systems transport students with fleets of school buses. Social services agencies provide transportation to clients for medical, educational, employment, and recreational needs. Amtrak trains serve four cities in Kentucky via two routes.
By the numbers, public transportation accidents are rare, but when they occur, they can cause severe injuries. Every rider risks injury.
- Bus riders may sustain injuries due to bus collisions, rollover accidents, falls, and other accidents on buses and at bus stations.
- Van riders may be injured in collisions and falls while getting in and out of vehicles.
- Train passengers can suffer severe injuries in derailments, falls while loading and unloading at train stations, and other accidents on trains and at stations.
These accidents may be caused by drivers’ or conductors’ negligence, inadequate maintenance of vehicles or station facilities, or mechanical failure. If someone else is at fault for your injuries, you need experienced legal representation. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help you demand compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages losses, and other losses.
What To Do After a Public Transportation Accident in Kentucky
There are steps to take after a public transportation accident to protect your rights. Have an experienced attorney review the details of the accident and discuss whether you have a personal injury claim.
You need to seek medical care for your injuries. Cooperate with emergency responders and let them take you to the hospital if they suggest it. If you do not require emergency care, see a doctor on your own as soon as possible.
If you are able to, take photos that show what happened and get witness contact information.
After a large-scale accident, such as a bus rolling over or a train derailment, the news media may contact you. You should avoid discussing what happened or posting comments on social media speculating about who is at fault. Answer the questions of the law enforcement officers at the accident scene, then contact a KY personal injury lawyer.
You should contact a law firm experienced in representing injured people in bus accidents and other public transportation accidents.
Our personal injury attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer understand the legal process and steps to follow to pursue compensation for serious injuries after public transportation accidents.
How a Kentucky Public Transportation Accidents Attorney Can Help
Public transportation injury claims are more complex than typical car accident claims. Government organizations have certain protections from legal claims. In most cases, the injured party must file a complaint directly with the presiding government entity before filing a personal injury lawsuit. Local jurisdictions typically have time restrictions, or statutes of limitations, on bringing such claims. Some require mediation or arbitration.
Depending on the accident and its cause, there may be multiple parties responsible for your injury. Your public transport injury claim may require dealing with several insurance companies. This gives insurers the opportunity to blame each other, which can complicate personal injury cases.
The legal team at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer has the knowledge, resources, and dedication to pursue every opportunity to recover financial compensation for you after a car accident involving a bus or other public transportation vehicle. Our Lexington personal injury lawyers will determine who should be held responsible for the accident and demand full compensation for you from every liable party. Our law firm is known for negotiating aggressively with insurance companies and for being fully prepared to take cases to trial if it’s in the client’s best interest.
Seeking experienced legal representation after a public transportation accident offers you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome. Throughout the process, our aim will be to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation available for the personal injuries and losses you have suffered.
Contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today for a free case evaluation. We don’t charge a legal fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call us at (877) 809-5352 or reach out online now.
