Whether it be to commute to work or just to make our way around town, many Maryland residents use the train as their main form of transportation. Train accidents are not too common in the state of Maryland. But when they do occur, they can result in serious injuries or even death. Continue reading to learn how one of the experienced Howard County mass transit accident attorneys at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates can help you determine your eligibility for a claim.
What are the frequent causes of train accidents in the state of Maryland?
With trains being complex machines, just one minor malfunction can lead to a serious accident. On the other hand, if employees are negligent in ensuring that passengers are safe during transit, this may also result in injuries. Therefore, below is a list of the most frequent causes of train accidents in the state of Maryland.
- Poor weather conditions, such as snow or rain.
- Train operator negligence, such as being distracted, drowsy, or under the influence.
- The train has a faulty feature or malfunction.
- The train is speeding.
- The train suddenly stops or starts.
- The train derails.
- The tracks are poorly maintained.
- The waiting areas are poorly maintained.
- The train is poorly maintained.
- The train does not have seatbelts or safety features.
- The train enters a collision.
- A passenger has a slip and fall accident.
How do I determine my eligibility for a train accident injury claim?
If you were injured in a train accident due to another party’s negligence, then you are most certainly eligible to file a train accident injury claim. To best attempt to retrieve the financial compensation that you require to heal, you must fulfill the burden of proof. That is, you must take the following steps immediately after your accident to prove that your injuries are in direct correlation to another party’s negligence:
- Call 911 so that a police report can be conducted.
- Capture the scene with photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and hazardous conditions that caused your accident.
- Collect witness contacts so that testimonies can be provided later.
- Attend medical treatment so that the time, date, and seriousness of your injuries can be recorded.
- Contact a personal injury attorney so that you can gather additional evidence.
What is the deadline to file a train accident injury claim?
Importantly, you will have to file your train accident injury claim within Maryland’s statute of limitations, which is typically three years from the date of your accident.
However, because the Maryland Transit Administration is the authority for all trains and buses, you must first file a Notice of Claim. This must be done within 90 days of your accident. If not, you will likely permanently lose your chance to recover your damages.
For assistance with meeting these deadlines, we recommend that you retain the services of one of the skilled Howard County auto accident attorneys as soon as you can.
Contact Our Howard County, Maryland Firm
If you or a family member has sustained severe injuries in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
