Buses and rail lines transport many Smyrna residents every day. These systems should keep you safe. But sometimes, accidents happen. If you suffered injuries on public transport, talk to a Smyrna public transport accident lawyer today.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have been winning injury cases for over 20 years. If a public transport accident left you injured, contact us for a FREE consultation.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now for your FREE consultation. We do not charge you unless we win your case — you can get started today at no risk.
Public Transport Options in Smyrna
Those in Smyrna have a couple of options for public transportation.
CobbLinc Transit Service
The CobbLinc (formerly Cobb Community Transit) is a bus system in Cobb County. The Cobb County Department of Transportation (DOT) provides CobbLinc and other public transport.
CobbLinc has a paratransit service Monday through Sunday. It services a 3/4-mile area around local bus routes and small regions of Fulton County. Paratransit-eligible residents can use this service if they don’t have access to local bus routes.
MARTA Network
The CobbLinc in Smyrna links to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) network. The MARTA is a primary public transport option in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
The MARTA has a network of bus routes that connect to a rapid transit system. The system has 38 train stations and 48 miles of rail track, making the MARTA system the eighth-largest rapid transit option in the United States.
Local Railways
Two major railways provide service to Smyrna residents. Georgia has the largest rail network in the Southeast U.S. The state’s rail lines allow residents easy access to different destinations.
Other types of public transport can include:
- Subways
- Commuter trains
- Light rails
- Cable cars
- Ferries
- Monorails
- Streetcars
If an accident happens, it doesn’t matter what type of transit you were using. Those responsible for the accident should pay for the damages. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a public transport accident, you might be entitled to compensation.
It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Public transport accidents can be complicated. An experienced lawyer can determine your legal options from the beginning.
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Public Transport Accidents Versus Other Accidents in Smyrna
Public transportation accidents are different from auto accidents. When two people get into a car accident, one driver is usually at fault. The injured driver can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
With public transport systems, liability is not so straightforward. Public transport accidents are different because:
- There could be multiple victims at one time.
- Several parties can be at fault.
- Public transport systems rarely have seatbelts, airbags, or other car-like safety features.
- It can be challenging to know where to start with a public transport case.
Public transport systems involve many different people. Passengers, drivers, other motorists, pedestrians, and more can become injured. Before you can seek compensation, you will need to determine who’s at fault.
Government Immunity in a Public Transport Accident
The government is responsible for many public transportation systems. But when an accident happens, it’s not easy to bring a legal case against a government entity.
Under sovereign immunity, someone cannot sue the government until the government gives consent. The state of Georgia will waive its immunity for injuries involving employees acting within their employment scope. However, bringing a case is more complicated.
If the government was responsible for your accident, talk to a public transport lawyer. You will need help building your case. Your lawyer will know what options you have and how to get started. To get a FREE consultation today, call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000.
What You Can Recover from a Smyrna Public Transport Accident
If you suffer injuries from a public transport accident, you’ll have damages. Your damages are costs or losses from your injuries.
Common personal injury damages include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription drugs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
The at-fault party in your accident should cover all of your damages. However, you will need to determine their value. That includes past and future medical treatment.
It’s best to wait until you’ve completed treatment to file your claim. You will need to consider all of the ways the accident has affected you. A Smyrna public transport accident lawyer can determine all of the damages you deserve to recover.
What You Should Do After an Accident on Public Transportation
An accident on a public vehicle is jarring. You don’t expect a crash when you’re just trying to get to your next destination. But it’s good to be prepared when these accidents happen.
Here are some things you can do to help your case.
Get Medical Treatment
Public transport accidents affect many people at one time. If the collision is severe, it can cause a lot of damage. If you have life-threatening injuries, don’t wait to get help.
Have someone call for an ambulance. Make sure your injuries get treated immediately. They could quickly worsen without attention.
If you are well enough to remain at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible afterward. You will need records of your injuries for your case.
Talk to the Driver or Conductor
Ask for the driver’s name, contact information, and employer. If the driver or conductor is injured or dead, call 911 immediately.
Report the Accident
The driver should report the crash to the police. If they can’t or won’t do this, you can call yourself. You will need to obtain a copy of the accident report.
Take Photos
If you can, take pictures of:
- Your injuries.
- Damage to the public transport vehicle.
- The entire accident scene.
Picture evidence will show how everything looked right after the accident. Photos can be beneficial for your claim.
Talk to Witnesses
Speak with any eyewitnesses who were on the public transport system during the accident. Ask for their names and contact information.
Secondary accounts of what happened can be helpful for your case.
Talk to a Smyrna Public Transport Accident Lawyer for Free Today
You should also contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. You will need to know your legal options. If you are entitled to compensation, it’s best to get started immediately.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build a strong case after a public transport accident. Our lawyers have 20-plus years of experience. We also will not charge you a fee unless we win for you.
To schedule a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form