While mass transit accidents may only make up a
small percentage of all personal injury accidents, they usually receive some of
the greatest attention due to the number of people affected by serious injury
or death as a result. Public transportation on a large scale is regulated by a
complex system of federal and state laws and governing bodies, so receiving
just compensation and legal assistance can be incredibly difficult. For
example, in order to receive compensation in a railroad accident case, it must
be determined that the railroad company was negligent, and therefore
responsible for injuries or death. In the wake of the Amtrak tragedy in
Pennsylvania, it is important that people understand their legal rights in these
types of situations.
The Amtrak train derailed as it was going
around a curve of track in Philadelphia, killing eight passengers and injuring
200 others. A preliminary investigation showed that the train was traveling
over 100 mph prior to the derailment, twice the speed limit for that area of
track. Reports also state that the engineer operating the train applied full
emergency breaks right before the crash, but claims he has no memory of what
happened. Some victims may consider personal injury lawsuits to cover their
pain and suffering, medical costs and other damages. In fact, one lawsuit
against Amtrak has already been filed.
Earlier this year, a devastating New York
accident involved a Metro North train and an SUV. The accident occurred when a
crowded commuter train slammed into the SUV which was, for whatever reason, on
the tracks. The force of impact dislodged a third rail that supplied power to
the train. When 400 feet of the electrified third rail snapped, it splintered
upward penetrating the car, before piercing the train and breaking into 80-foot
segments. Combined with gasoline from the SUV, a deadly inferno erupted. The
driver of the SUV and five people aboard the train died; over a dozen others were
injured.
In December 2013, a Metro-North train carrying approximately
150 people derailed while rounding a bend where the Harlem and Hudson rivers
meet. This deadly derailment killed four and injured over 60 others. It
was the worst accident on an MTA train since a derailment at Union Square in
1991 that killed five people and injured more than 200.
In March 2014, a Chicago subway train derailed as
a result of driver fatigue. The operator of the Blue Line train did not slow
down as it approached the dead-end center track at the O’Hare station. The
runaway train jumped over a bump-stop designed to stop trains at speeds up to
15 mph, then continued onto the platform and into an escalator. More than 30
passengers were hurt.
Such mass transit accidents are not limited to
trains. Fourteen people were killed and 19 were injured, 5 critically, when a
chartered tour bus overturned at high speed on a highway in the Bronx. The bus
hit a guard rail, scraped along it for 300 feet, toppled and crashed into the
support post of a highway sign. The pole entered through the front window, then
sheared the bus from front to back, cutting like a knife through the seating
area and peeling off the roof.
In February 2013, a fire broke out on a
Carnival cruise ship returning from a four-day voyage. The ship was stalled in
the Gulf of Mexico for five days without engine power, air conditioning or
working toilets,. It was later determined that Carnival Cruise Lines knew about
the risk of leaks from engine fuel hoses, but failed to take necessary
precautions on the ill-fated Carnival Triumph.
What laws apply to a mass transit accident? Who
is liable? In all these cases, proving
liability is only half the battle; a plaintiff must also support his or her
claim for damages. Consulting an experienced attorney is the best way to make
sure that your rights will be protected, and just compensation will be sought
on your behalf. While compensation can’t bring back a loved one, it can help
alleviate the financial burden that results throughout the recovery process and
beyond. For those seeking attorney representation, Lawsuit Financial can help
through nationwide database. We have business relationships with experienced
personal injury attorneys all over the country and offer a complimentary,
no-obligation referral
service. Once a victim has obtained an attorney and filed a personal injury
or wrongful death lawsuit, those struggling to meet financial demands may seek relief
by applying for lawsuit funding.
At Lawsuit
Financial, we understand that financial situations can change drastically after
an accident and during the litigation process. If you need to pay funeral expenses,
mortgage or rent, car payment, tuition, or everyday expenses, lawsuit funding may be the
financial assistance you need. Our professional team puts our clients’ needs
first. Once we receive a request for funding application, we work diligently to
ensure your case is reviewed in a timely manner. Often times, we can approve
applications for funding within 24 hours. Once approved and a contract signed,
we will send a check via direct deposit or overnight mail. Other benefits of a
lawsuit cash advance with us include:
- No credit check and no employment verification. Funding is based solely upon the strength of the case.
- No stipulations how the money must be used.
- No monthly payments. The cash is repaid through the proceeds of the settlement.
- No risk! If your case is unsuccessful, repayment is waived. We only get paid back if, and when our client reaches a favorable settlement.
Lawsuit Financial has assisted many victims of
mass transit accidents, such as trains, subways, airplanes and helicopters, and
buses. If you or a family member has been involved in a mass transit accident,
suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one and being represented by an
attorney in a pending claim, we may be able to provide you a lawsuit cash
advance to help pay the necessary bills until your case settles. Complete our
quick and easy online application or call our office for a free, no-obligation
consultation.
For more information on Lawsuit Financial and a
list of cases we fund, visit us at www.lawsuitfinancial.com.
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