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What Should I Do Following a Public Transit Accident in Irvine?

Many underestimate how expansive the public transit system in Irvine is. However, when riding the bus or taking the train, the last thing you expect to happen is an accident. As such, you may be unsure what to do in this event. Keep reading to learn more about these collisions and why it is in your best interest to connect with our Irvine auto accident lawyers who can help guide you through these complex matters.

How Does a Public Transit Accident Happen in California?

Accidents involving trains or buses can be catastrophic due to their large size. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how these accidents can happen and who can be held liable for the damages you may have suffered.

Bus accidents can have similar causes to car accidents. These include:

  • Driver error
  • Improper vehicle maintenance
  • Other drivers on the road
  • Weather
  • Mechanical malfunctions

A train accident, on the other hand, can occur as a result of the following:

  • Improperly maintained tracks
  • Faulty or defective equipment
  • Train engineer (driver) negligence
  • Miscommunication between engineers, causing two trains to collide
  • Lack of inspections

Determining liability for these accidents can be challenging, as multiple parties may hold responsibility for the damages you have sustained. For example, you may find that the bus driver and their employer can face liability for an accident. However, the driver of another car can also face liability, further complicating your situation.

What Steps Should I Take if I Sustained an Injury?

If you are on a bus or train that is involved in an accident, understanding the steps to take to protect yourself is critical. One of the most important things you can do in these circumstances is to seek medical care. Police and emergency medical technicians will likely arrive at the scene. Even if you feel okay, you should still allow the EMTs to assess you as they may find signs of a serious issue masked by the adrenaline rush.

A representative of the company will also likely arrive on the scene to provide passengers with information regarding the next steps. You may receive a claim form you can file with the company regarding the damages you suffered as a victim in the accident. However, you should not complete or submit this form before discussing your circumstances with an attorney. Failure to complete the form correctly can impact the outcome of your claim.

As you can see, many complicated issues can arise following a public transit accident in Irvine and the surrounding area. As such, it is imperative to connect with an experienced attorney from California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC. Our team understands how overwhelming trying to navigate a lawsuit can be while dealing with injuries from an accident. We are here to help you take the next steps. Contact us today to learn more.

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