Have You Experienced an Injury on the NJ Mass Transit System?
According to statistics issued by the American Transportation Association, traveling via mass transit is up to ten times safer per mile than traveling via regular automobile. However, mass transit accidents do still happen, and people do still receive injuries. In 2020, there were an estimated 8,558 mass transit accidents that occurred, and of those, there were 5,402 injuries and 783 fatalities. If you have been injured in a mass transit system accident, you can gain compensation for your injuries with the help of a New Jersey injury lawyer.
Common Causes of Mass Transit Accidents in New Jersey
The fact of the matter is that most mass transit accidents involve negligence. The transportation driver could have been negligent, the government entity managing the public transport, or the transportation owner. The following are some common causes of mass transit accidents in New Jersey
- Failure to maintain adequate transportation maintenance.
- Unsafe safety measures including inadequate security presence and poor lighting.
- Gross driver negligence including but not limited to speeding, driver fatigue, intoxication, distraction, and failing to adhere to traffic signals.
- Inferior or defective vehicles and vehicle mechanical parts.
New Jersey Mass Transit Claims Function Differently
Should you have suffered a personal injury due to an auto accident, you will usually have two years to file a claim in New Jersey. This is, however, not the case for claims involving the New Jersey mass transit system. There are numerous special rules and regulations that need to be followed and adhered to, which is why it’s often best to employ an attorney.
With New Jersey mass transit claims, you need to file a notice for a personal injury claim within 90 days of the accident. You will have to file the claim with the New Jersey system, and if you fail to do so during the 90-day period, you could be permanently prevented from recovering compensation.
Do New Jersey Mass Transit Systems have Immunity from Lawsuits?
Unlike some states, New Jersey public entities are not wholly immune to lawsuits. In fact, recent lawsuits resulted in one woman receiving compensation of $1.8 million for the injuries she suffered while using a mass transit system in New Jersey. This outcome is progressive as many now believe that the New Jersey mass transit system will have a more challenging time fighting personal injury claims.
In most cases, the mass transit system is protected by the concept of “sovereign immunity.” However, there are exceptions to the general rule that the government is immune or protected against claims brought against it by American citizens. According to New Jersey state law, a public entity like the mass transit system should be held liable for injuries caused on its property.
However, it has to be proven that the injuries suffered were due to the property being in a hazardous condition at the time of the incident. New Jersey laws and regulations are complex, especially with the new developments regarding claims against the mass transit system.
Contact a New Jersey Mass Transit Injury Lawyer Today
Mass transit accidents can be incredibly traumatizing. Many people each year suffer from personal injuries that they have sustained in a mass transit accident in New Jersey. If you have experienced an injury on the NJ mass transit system, it may be in your best interests to hire a New Jersey mass transit attorney. The Leonard Legal Group can help establish if you have a claim and utilize our extensive experience towards gaining you compensation. Get in touch with our legal team today to discuss your potential case.