Mass Transit and School Bus Accident Claims in Pittsburgh
Our bus accident attorneys can hold liable parties accountable
Millions of people in Pennsylvania depend on mass transit and school buses daily. Most days are uneventful, and transportation arrives on time. Other days are not so simple, and terrible traffic accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. The complex network of providers and statutes can complicate the aftermath. When children are involved, the stakes are even higher.
If you were injured or a loved one died in an accident involving a mass transit vehicle or school bus in Pennsylvania, contact Hal Waldman & Associates for a free case evaluation. Our experienced Pittsburgh bus accident lawyers and mass transit attorneys investigate, identify violations, build strong, evidence-based cases, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Types of mass transit and school bus accident claims we handle
Our Pittsburgh law firm has the knowledge and resources to prove liability and demand maximum compensation for any scenario involving mass transportation. Cases we have handled include:
- School bus collisions caused by another vehicle
- Bus crashes caused by bus driver negligence
- Mass transit derailments
- Accidents on the Pittsburgh Light Rail (The T)
- Children run over or backed over after exiting the bus
- Children run over at a bus stop or pickup zone
Common bus accident injuries
While mass transit incidents are thankfully rare, the consequences are often devastating when they do happen. In the aftermath of such a crash, serious personal injuries are all too common:
- Back pain
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage or internal bleeding
- Head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Catastrophic injuries, including paralysis, severed limbs, and disfigurement
What to do after a mass transit accident
The scene of a bus, train, or T accident can be chaotic and confusing because of the high number of passengers. Knowing what to do in such a crash can help you make the best decisions for your rights and health should you become a cash victim.
- If your health and safety allow for it, take notes on everything you can remember about the events, including where you were sitting and anything you witnessed. Take photos and video of the crash site, too.
- While some mass transit accidents are handled by city and town police departments, like in the case of city buses or trolleys, others may be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. Identify the responding law enforcement agency and get the lead officer’s name and badge number, if possible. This will make it easier for you to find the official crash report.
- Always see a doctor for a thorough medical examination after a crash – even if you feel okay. You may have a severe or life-threatening injury, like a concussion or internal injury, that you don’t know about yet. Also, delaying medical treatment can signal that your injuries are not severe, which could hurt your claim.
- Do not discuss the accident with anyone but your lawyer. Insurance adjusters can use anything you say to deny or reduce your claim. If you have to talk to an insurance company, stick to the facts and do not provide information about the severity of your injuries. It is enough to tell investigators you are receiving medical treatment for your injuries. Then, refer all questions to your lawyer.
- Contact Hal Waldman & Associates for a free case evaluation as soon as possible after a crash. Our law firm can guide you through the legal process and protect your right to compensation.
Children are at risk of severe injuries in bus accidents
Even at relatively low speeds, children on a school bus are vulnerable to serious injury. They may strike the seat back in front, hit their head on the window or bus frame, or be thrown into the aisle. Children are highly susceptible to concussions and other head trauma. Many suffer neck injuries, facial and dental injuries, fractured arms, and broken collarbones.
In a high-speed crash, the potential is high for permanent injury. These injuries can affect a child’s physical growth and development. Injuries may be disfiguring or disabling. An experienced attorney can determine the full, long-term cost of such injuries.
We stand up to transportation agencies and bus companies
Our Pittsburgh injury attorneys have handled thousands of motor vehicle accidents in Western Pennsylvania and statewide, including mass transit and school bus accidents. You can count on us to fight for the best outcome for you and your loved ones. We care. We are on your side. Contact Hal Waldman & Associates in Pittsburgh to discuss your case with a member of our team during a free case evaluation.
Remember, our Pittsburgh transit, school bus, and subway accident attorneys work on contingency. That means there are no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses for our services. Our fee is a percentage of the final compensation package. Therefore, if we don’t win, you don’t pay. You have nothing to lose and much to gain by contacting us for a free case evaluation.
