Mass transit accidents are increasingly more common as more and more Americans rely on mass transit in their daily lives. As Houston grows denser, the cost of driving and time lost to traffic make Houston’s bus system increasingly more appealing. Unfortunately, the increasing use of mass transit means that the rate of mass transit accidents also increases.
Mass transit accidents can involve a litany of responsible parties, including private companies, private individuals, and government entities. Additionally, mass transit accidents are not limited to those involving public transit, mass transit accidents include cases involving private bus lines, ferries, subways and railways, taxi cabs, and newer ride-sharing platforms.
At Sherman Law Firm, our practice is devoted to helping those who have been wronged by the negligence of others. Our attorneys have successfully represented hundreds of Houston residents in personal injury lawsuits, allowing them to recover much-needed compensation to pay for damaged property, recover lost wages, and cover medical expenses. We treat every client relationship as a partnership: our personal injury attorneys promise to work with you with full transparency, ensuring that you are fully aware of all aspects of the case. Through our partnership approach, we ensure that we are able to fully advocate on your behalf while focusing on what is important to you.
Who is responsible in a mass transit accident?
The party responsible for your injury and thus your compensation is the “at-fault” party. Even if you’re injured by a Houston mass transit bus, the at-fault party may not be the bus company. In some instances, the at-fault party may be another driver on the road. For example, an erratic driver may crash into the bus, causing the bus to crash into you. In this case, the at-fault party may be the bus company or the other driver, or both. Similarly, if a Houston mass transit bus suffers a tire blowout or another defective equipment issue, then the manufacturer of the defective tire or equipment may be the at-fault party.
The chain of liability is more complex than simply identifying which party ultimately caused the accident, which is why Sherman Law Firm diligently reviews your case file to determine which party is responsible for the injuries that you’ve sustained.
What losses may be claimed?
If you’ve been injured in a mass transit accident in Houston, you may be entitled to recover damages for lost earning capacity, lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damages, and, in the most egregious circumstances, punitive damages. Although calculating lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and property damage are relatively straightforward, lost earning capacity, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering are not. Calculating lost earning capacity, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering requires a skilled personal injury attorney and a team of experts to show future losses and non-financial damage (pain and suffering) resulting from the accident. At Sherman Law Firm, we maintain strong relationships with health experts who assist us in calculating and proving lost earning capacity, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering. The result is that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Why hire a mass transit accident attorney?
If you’ve been injured in a mass transit accident, hiring an attorney specializing in this area is paramount. First, identifying the correct party to pursue damages is a complex and time-consuming endeavor. Second, calculating damages, particularly lost earning capacity, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering require a team effort of lawyers and medical experts. Third, in cases where the at-fault party is a government entity, such as Houston’s METRO bus system, different rules may apply to the lawsuit that do not apply to more typical public injury lawsuits. These rules can alter or limit timelines for filing actions, court availability, and maximum recoverable damages. Understanding the rules unique to government entities is one of the many reasons that retaining an attorney specializing in mass transit accidents is essential.
By retaining an attorney specializing in mass transit accidents, you ensure that your case is brought against the proper party and that you receive the full compensation you deserve. But an attorney’s role is more than filing the lawsuit and calculating damages. At Sherman Law Firm, we use our experience to get you the compensation you deserve in the shortest time and most transparent manner possible. In many instances, settlements result in the greatest recoverable value. However, sometimes it’s necessary to go to court. Regardless of whether you wish to settle or go to court, we have exceptional negotiating experience and an outstanding trial skillset.
Contact Our Houston Mass Transit Injury Lawyer
At Sherman Law Firm, we take pride in representing Houston residents who have been wronged by others’ negligence. As renowned negotiators and trial advocates, we work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and effectively -– providing you with the best outcome possible. If you or someone you know has been injured in a mass transit accident in the greater Houston area, please contact our office today for a free consultation.