Skip to content 
Why You Need a Public Transit Accident Attorney After a Transit Crash
A public transit accident attorney specializes in representing victims injured on buses, trains, subways, and other public transportation systems. These cases involve unique legal challenges including strict government filing deadlines, sovereign immunity rules, and complex liability issues.
Key facts about public transit accident attorneys:
- Government claims deadline: Only 6 months to file notice against public transit agencies (vs. 2 years for private companies)
- Higher duty of care: Transit operators are “common carriers” held to stricter safety standards
- Complex liability: Multiple parties may be responsible (driver, transit authority, manufacturer, third parties)
- Damage caps: Government entities often have liability limits (e.g., $250,000 per victim in some states)
- No upfront costs: Most work on contingency fees – you pay nothing unless you win
Public transportation accidents are more common than many people realize. In 2021, over 10,000 buses were involved in crashes that injured 18,000 people and killed 221 nationwide. With 6.9 billion passengers transported by buses annually and millions more using trains and light rail, the risk of serious accidents remains significant.
When you’re injured on public transportation, you’re often dealing with government agencies that have special legal protections and procedural requirements. Missing a six-month filing deadline can permanently bar your claim, regardless of how severe your injuries are.
I’m Jason Fine, a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers nominee with over 25 years of experience as a public transit accident attorney, including cases involving bus crashes, train accidents, and station platform injuries. My firm has secured millions in compensation for transit accident victims.
Public transit accident attorney word roundup:
– bus accident injury attorney
– bus accident injury claim
– bus driver negligence attorney
What Does a Public Transit Accident Attorney Do?
When you’re hurt in a bus crash or train accident, you’ve entered a specialized legal world where public transit accident attorneys steer complex government rules, tight deadlines, and unique challenges that would trip up most personal injury lawyers.
The clock starts ticking the moment your accident happens. While you’re focused on healing, we’re working to preserve crucial evidence before it disappears. Transit agencies have surveillance systems, maintenance logs, and driver records that can prove your case – but only if we act fast.
One of our biggest challenges is sovereign immunity – the government’s legal shield that protects public transit agencies from lawsuits. We know the exceptions and how to structure your claim to get around these protections. Learn more about bus accident injury cases here.
The notice of claim requirement is where many victims lose their cases. Government transit agencies demand written notice within six months – not the usual two years for private companies. Miss this deadline, and your case is over.
We handle everything on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Core Services of a Public Transit Accident Attorney
Our case evaluation starts with figuring out who’s really at fault. In transit accidents, blame often spreads beyond just the driver. We dig through maintenance records, driver training files, and safety compliance documents.
Evidence preservation is where we often make or break cases. We immediately send preservation letters to transit agencies demanding they save surveillance footage, driver logs, and maintenance records before they’re destroyed.
Settlement negotiation in transit cases requires understanding the unique rules around government liability and damage caps. Our experience includes negotiating with both government agencies and their insurance carriers.
When to Call a Public Transit Accident Attorney
That six-month government deadline is reason enough to call us immediately. This deadline doesn’t care how badly you’re hurt – miss it, and you’re out of luck.
Severe injuries demand immediate legal attention because they often involve significant long-term medical care and lost earning capacity.
Denied claims are a clear signal that you need professional help. Transit agencies routinely deny legitimate claims, hoping victims will give up or accept lowball settlements.
Types, Causes, and Common Injuries in Public Transportation Accidents
When you’re injured in a public transit accident, understanding what happened and why can be crucial to your case. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s crash data, thousands of people are injured in transit accidents each year.
Sudden stops are surprisingly common causes of injury, even when there’s no actual collision. These “jerk and jolt” accidents can cause serious injuries, especially to elderly passengers.
Mechanical failures represent another serious category. When a transit agency skips maintenance or ignores warning signs, the results can be catastrophic.
Distracted driving by transit operators is unfortunately becoming more common. When you’re operating a vehicle that weighs tens of thousands of pounds, even a moment of inattention can be deadly.
Modalities an Attorney Handles
City buses are involved in the majority of public transit accidents we see. When accidents happen, they often involve government-operated transit agencies, which means dealing with sovereign immunity laws.
Commuter rail and train systems present unique challenges. These cases often involve federal regulations and may cross state lines.
Shuttle services operate under different rules than larger transit systems. While these cases might seem simpler, they can still be complex due to commercial insurance arrangements.
Station and platform hazards are also covered. Slip and fall accidents, inadequate lighting, and dangerous conditions at bus stops can all result in serious injuries.
The Most Common Causes in Pennsylvania & New Jersey
Driver fatigue is a major issue. Transit drivers often work long shifts, and violations happen more often than you might think.
Poor maintenance is unfortunately common, especially when transit agencies face budget pressures. Transit agencies have a legal duty to maintain their vehicles properly.
Weather-related accidents happen when agencies fail to follow proper protocols for adverse conditions in our region’s harsh winters.
Typical Injuries After a Transit Crash
The injuries we see in transit accidents are often more severe than those in regular car crashes due to the size and weight of transit vehicles.
Fractures and broken bones are extremely common when passengers are thrown against seats, windows, or metal poles.
Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries are particularly serious. Even minor bumps can result in concussions with life-altering effects.
Spinal injuries and whiplash occur when passengers are thrown around during an accident, ranging from minor neck strain to complete paralysis.
Burns can occur in serious accidents involving fires or chemical spills.
Psychological harm is often overlooked but can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
Liability and Legal Deadlines: Suing Government Agencies vs. Private Companies
When you’re injured in a public transit accident, the path to compensation depends heavily on who owns and operates the vehicle. Government-owned transit systems and private transportation companies operate under completely different legal rules.
Most city buses and public rail services are operated by government agencies protected by sovereign immunity. Private companies don’t get this special protection but often have complex corporate structures or aggressive insurance companies.
Government entities often have damage caps – legal limits on how much they can be forced to pay. Some states cap government liability at $250,000 per victim. Private companies face no such limits.
| Government Agency Claims | Private Company Claims |
|---|---|
| 6-month notice requirement | 2-year statute of limitations |
| Sovereign immunity applies | No sovereign immunity |
| Damage caps may apply | No damage caps |
| Administrative claim required | Direct lawsuit filing |
| Limited punitive damages | Full punitive damages available |
Filing a Government Claim in Six Months
You have only six months to file a formal notice of claim against most government transit agencies. Miss this deadline by even one day, and your case is over – no matter how badly you were hurt.
California’s Tort Claims Act (CTCA), Pennsylvania’s Tort Claims Act, and New Jersey’s Tort Claims Act are particularly strict about this six-month rule. These laws don’t care if you were in a coma or didn’t know you could sue.
The notice content must include your name and address, exactly when and where the accident happened, a detailed description of what went wrong, what injuries you suffered, and witness names. Get any details wrong, and the government can dismiss your case.
Standard Two-Year Statute for Private Defendants
Private transportation companies operate under normal personal injury rules, giving you two full years to file a lawsuit. This longer timeline gives you time to understand your injuries and build the strongest case.
Commercial insurers covering private transit companies often carry much higher policy limits than government entities. Private company cases also open the door to punitive damages – extra money designed to punish reckless companies.
Evidence That Shifts Liability in Your Favor
Maintenance logs show exactly what was done to keep vehicles safe and what problems were ignored. Federal law requires detailed maintenance records for commercial vehicles.
Surveillance video has revolutionized transit accident cases. Most modern buses and trains have multiple cameras, but this footage disappears quickly – many systems delete recordings after just 30 days.
Driver records include training files, drug testing results, driving history, and disciplinary actions. Federal regulations set strict standards for commercial drivers.
Eyewitness accounts provide crucial testimony about what really happened. People’s memories fade quickly, so we work immediately to identify and interview witnesses.
For more detailed information about building a strong case, visit our bus accident injury claim page.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After a Public Transit Crash
When a public transit accident happens, the actions you take in those first crucial moments can dramatically impact your ability to recover compensation later.
Your safety comes first. If you can move safely, get to a secure location. If you’re seriously hurt, stay put and wait for paramedics.
Even if you feel “okay,” seek medical attention immediately. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. Having medical records from right after the accident creates a clear link between the crash and your injuries.
Document everything you can see. Take photos of the vehicle, any damage, your injuries, and the accident scene. Get the vehicle number, operator’s name, and badge number if possible.
The six-month deadline for government claims is ticking from the moment of impact. Missing that six-month window can slam the door on your case permanently.
Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)
Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor. Emergency responders create an official record that an accident occurred.
Talk to witnesses who saw what happened. People tend to leave quickly after accidents. Get their names, phone numbers, and ask them to briefly describe what they saw.
Keep every piece of paper related to your trip – bus pass, train ticket, transfer receipt. These prove you were a legitimate passenger.
Don’t throw away damaged clothing or personal items. That torn jacket or broken phone is physical evidence of the force involved in the crash.
Building the Paper Trail (First Week)
Follow up with medical care within the first few days. Some injuries can worsen over time, and seeing a doctor creates a medical timeline.
Start keeping a daily injury diary. Write down your pain level, what activities you can’t do, how you slept, and how the accident is affecting your daily life.
Tell your employer about the accident as soon as possible. Keep copies of any paperwork related to missed work or lost wages.
Take photos of visible injuries as they develop, damaged property, and medical bills.
Working With Your Public Transit Accident Attorney
When you meet with a public transit accident attorney, they should explain their fee structure clearly. Most work on contingency fees – you don’t pay unless we win.
Set up a communication plan that works for your life. Let us know the best way to reach you and how often you’d like updates.
Understanding the timeline helps manage expectations. Transit accident cases can take several months to a few years, depending on complexity.
Every day counts when dealing with government transit claims. The sooner you contact an experienced attorney, the better we can preserve evidence and meet deadlines.
How a Public Transit Accident Attorney Maximizes Your Compensation
Getting hurt in a transit accident is overwhelming without having to worry about fair compensation. A skilled public transit accident attorney makes all the difference using strategies and insider knowledge you can’t achieve on your own.
Economic damages form the foundation of your compensation – medical bills, lost wages, and future earning capacity. We work with medical experts and economists to calculate not just current losses, but lifetime impacts.
Noneconomic damages compensate for losses without clear price tags – pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. These require careful documentation and compelling presentation.
Future care planning becomes especially important in serious transit accidents. We collaborate with life care planners to document exactly what ongoing treatment you’ll need and associated costs.
Lien negotiations can dramatically increase the money you take home. Medical providers and insurance companies often place liens on your recovery, but these amounts can frequently be negotiated down significantly.
Key Forms of Recoverable Compensation
Medical bills include every expense from emergency room visits through years of future rehabilitation, including medical equipment and home modifications.
Lost wages go beyond regular paychecks to include overtime, bonuses, benefits, and reduced earning capacity for seriously injured clients.
Pain and suffering damages acknowledge losses that can’t be measured in dollars – constant pain, sleepless nights, depression, and inability to enjoy activities.
Wrongful death cases require securing compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings, and the immeasurable loss of companionship.
Overcoming Claim Denials and Delays
Government agencies and insurance companies often deny legitimate claims or drag out the process. We know how to fight back effectively.
Appeals processes exist for overturning denied government claims by presenting additional evidence or legal arguments.
Mediation offers a way to resolve disputes without trial uncertainty while maintaining the option to go to court if necessary.
Lawsuit filing becomes our next step when other methods fail to produce fair compensation. Our track record of courtroom success often motivates defendants to make reasonable settlement offers.
Tools Your Lawyer Uses to Increase Value
Accident reconstruction experts recreate exactly what happened using scientific principles and advanced technology, providing compelling testimony about fault and causation.
Life-care planners document ongoing care needs and associated costs, providing concrete numbers that support claims for future medical expenses.
Expert testimony from medical professionals, engineers, and safety experts provides credibility needed to prove complex aspects of your case.
For more information about our comprehensive approach, visit our bus crash attorney page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Public Transit Accident Cases
Do I really have only six months to act against a transit authority?
Yes, and this is one of the most shocking surprises victims face. The six-month deadline for filing a notice of claim against government transit agencies is absolutely non-negotiable. Courts won’t extend it, even if you were in a coma.
This harsh rule exists because government entities get special legal protections under sovereign immunity laws. The deadline starts ticking the moment your accident happens, not when you find injuries or leave the hospital.
Many victims mistakenly think they should wait until they’re fully healed before worrying about legal matters. That’s completely backwards in transit accident cases. You need to protect your legal rights first, then focus on recovery.
The good news is that filing this initial notice doesn’t commit you to anything expensive. It simply keeps your options open. Miss it, and even the strongest case becomes worthless.
Can I sue for injuries that happened on a station platform, not on the vehicle?
Absolutely, and these cases are often easier to win than vehicle accident cases. Transit authorities are responsible for maintaining safe stations, platforms, and waiting areas.
Platform accidents happen frequently. Wet floors, broken tiles, inadequate lighting, missing handrails, and crimes due to poor security can all lead to serious injuries. The transit authority can be held liable if they knew about dangerous conditions or should have known.
Platform cases are often stronger because evidence is usually clearer. If you slip on a floor that’s been wet for hours, it’s easier to prove the transit authority failed in their duty to keep you safe.
The same six-month deadline applies to platform accidents involving government transit agencies. Whether you’re hurt on the bus or waiting for the bus, legal requirements are identical.
How much does a public transit accident attorney charge up front?
Nothing. Zero. Most public transit accident attorneys, including our team at J. Fine Law, work on contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we win your case.
This arrangement exists because transit accident cases can be incredibly expensive to pursue properly. We often need accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and investigators. We might need depositions, surveillance footage, and fight government agencies with legal teams.
The contingency fee system lets us advance all costs without asking you to pay anything upfront. We take on the financial risk because we believe in your case. If we don’t recover money for you, we don’t get paid and absorb all costs.
Our fee only comes out of your settlement or verdict, never out of your pocket. At J. Fine Law, we’ve maintained a 98% success rate over 25 years and recovered over $50 million for clients. Our contingency arrangement means our success is directly tied to yours.
Conclusion
Public transit accidents present unique legal challenges requiring specialized knowledge and immediate action. The six-month deadline for government claims, sovereign immunity protections, and complex liability issues make these cases fundamentally different from typical personal injury claims.
With over 10,000 bus crashes annually resulting in 18,000 injuries and 221 deaths, transit accidents are a serious public safety issue. When these accidents occur, victims need experienced legal representation to steer complex rules and procedures.
At J. Fine Law, we’ve spent over 25 years mastering public transit accident law. Our 98% success rate and over $50 million recovered for clients demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for transit accident victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Time is critical in transit accident cases. The six-month deadline for government claims means waiting even a few weeks can jeopardize your entire case. Don’t let procedural deadlines prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.
For more information about transit accident cases in Pennsylvania, visit our mass transit accidents Pennsylvania page.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a public transit accident, contact J. Fine Law today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you steer the complex legal process ahead. With offices throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we’re here to help transit accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Don’t wait – your rights and your future may depend on acting quickly. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
