Public Transportation Accidents

Minnesota Public Transportation Accident Victims Lawyers

In 1997, we began this law firm with a simple vision — to vigorously protect accident victims. We have not swayed away from our original focus. In fact, we welcome complex personal injury cases involving public transportation accidents. Let us protect your future with experience you can trust.

At the Minneapolis law offices of Fay & Associates, LLC, we have more than a decade of experience dealing with insurance companies. We devote as many resources as necessary to demonstrate fault in complicated public transportation accidents.

Call (612) 888-8354 or contact us online today to request a free case evaluation.

Common Types of Public Transportation Accidents

A public transportation accident refers to any incident involving vehicles used to transport passengers for a fare, such as buses, trains, trams, subways, ferries, and taxis. These accidents can result in injuries or fatalities to passengers, pedestrians, or other motorists.

Common types of public transportation accidents include:

• Bus Accidents: City bus accidents often involve vehicles operated by Metro Transit and can occur due to driver error, mechanical issues, or other traffic conditions. School bus accidents are another concern, involving buses that transport students and can result from similar factors.
• Light Rail Accidents: Light rail accidents in Minneapolis can involve collisions with vehicles or pedestrians at crossings, or derailments due to track problems or mechanical failures. These incidents can cause significant injuries to passengers and bystanders.
• Train Accidents: Commuter train accidents, such as those involving the Northstar Line, can occur due to collisions with vehicles at crossings or derailments. Freight train accidents can also happen and pose a risk to the surrounding community.
• Taxi and Ride-Share Accidents: Accidents involving traditional taxis can result from driver negligence or adverse road conditions. Ride-share vehicles, such as those operated by Uber and Lyft, are also prone to accidents, which can lead to injuries for passengers and other road users.
• Shuttle Bus Accidents: Airport shuttle buses transporting passengers to and from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport can be involved in accidents due to various factors, including driver fatigue or road hazards. Hotel shuttles, which provide transportation for guests, also face similar risks.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Incidents: Public bicycles from bike-sharing programs can be involved in accidents with motor vehicles, often due to visibility issues or traffic violations. Pedestrian accidents involving public transportation vehicles are a significant concern, particularly at busy intersections and transit stops.
• Ferry Accidents: Though less common, ferry accidents on the Mississippi River can occur due to navigational errors, mechanical failures, or adverse weather conditions. These incidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities for passengers and crew.

Who is Liable for a Public Transportation Accident?

Liability for a public transportation accident can be complex and may involve multiple parties depending on the circumstances of the incident. The following are common entities that might be held liable:

• Public Transportation Operators: If the accident was caused by operator error, such as negligence, distracted driving, or violation of traffic laws, the operator may be held responsible.
• Public Transportation Companies or Agencies: These entities can be liable if the accident was due to inadequate training of employees, poor maintenance of vehicles, or failure to adhere to safety regulations.
• Vehicle and Equipment Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle or equipment, the manufacturer could be held responsible under product liability laws.
• Maintenance Contractors: Companies responsible for maintaining the vehicles or infrastructure (tracks, signals, etc.) can be liable if poor maintenance or repair led to the accident.
• Government Entities: If the accident was due to poor road conditions, faulty traffic signals, or inadequate signage, the relevant government entity might be held accountable.
• Third-Party Drivers: If a third-party driver’s actions caused the accident, such as running a red light or reckless driving, they could be held liable for the resulting damages.
• Employers: In cases where employees are injured while using public transportation for work-related purposes, their employer might be partially liable under certain workers' compensation laws.
• Passengers:  Although rare, if a passenger's actions directly contributed to the accident, such as distracting the driver, they might share some liability.

How We Can Help

The attorneys at our law firm carefully review maintenance reports and safety regulations to determine if the transportation company failed to follow the applicable safety standards. We understand the special deadlines imposed when suing public entities and we ensure all legal notices are filed on time. We investigate the driver’s history and experience, interview eyewitnesses, and examine any prior issues with the bus or train involved in the accident.

Our hands-on approach helps us develop compelling legal arguments complete with medical reports, photos of the accident, and police reports. We carefully incorporate every detail to demonstrate negligence on the part of the transit authority or cab company. Our law firm’s personal injury attorneys also have experience pursuing claims against negligent third parties. 

We aggressively work to obtain compensation against manufacturers for faulty parts or service companies for failing to properly maintain vehicle, contact us today.