News & Insights

Taxis, buses, subways, and trains are convenient and cost-effective modes of travel, but they can also be dangerous. Mass transit accidents can be disastrous, causing serious injuries and fatalities. If you were injured in a mass transit accident, it’s in your best interests to consult an accident lawyer in Annapolis, MD, right away. You also have the right to talk to a lawyer who handles personal injury cases if you lost a loved one in a mass transit accident.

Identifying the Statute of Limitations

To best protect your legal rights in the aftermath of a mass transit accident, it’s imperative to act promptly. Waiting too long to pursue a personal injury claim may jeopardize your right to do so. This is because personal injury claims are subject to deadlines known as statutes of limitations. If this deadline passes before you file a lawsuit, then you are no longer legally able to do so. Most states establish two-year statutes of limitations on personal injury claims. However, residents of Maryland have three years to file. This may seem like plenty of time, but it can take a while to conduct a thorough investigation and get the litigation process started. Protect your rights by taking action right away.

Assessing Liability

One of the first steps your accident lawyer will take is to review your case to determine which parties may be held liable for your injuries. These parties are named as defendants in any lawsuit that may be filed. Mass transit accidents are often caused by negligent drivers or operators. A taxi driver may run a red light or a train operator may fail to abide by the speed limit for a particular section of track. Mass transit accidents can also be caused by equipment malfunctions. If this is the case, then your lawyer will seek to determine if a party was negligent in failing to conduct proper equipment inspections or safety checks. Sometimes, a municipality may be held liable, such as when a section of road is improperly constructed or marked. Your lawyer will examine all available evidence to assess liability in your case. Then, he or she will explain the process of seeking compensation for your losses.