Taxi, Bus & Train Accidents

• Buses, trains, taxis, and trolleys are called “common carriers” because they regularly transport passengers and goods.

• These common carriers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers as well as others on the road, including pedestrians.

• Accidents involving common carriers occur every day and can involve passengers, pedestrians, as well as other motorists.

• An accident with a common carrier can cause catastrophic damage. Many of these vehicle do not provide seat belts, and their sheer size endangers everyone if they are not properly handled.

• Fault for accidents involving common carriers can be found in the driver’s negligence, the negligent acts of another motorist, or even defective maintenance of the bus, taxi, train, or trolley itself. At times, a number of combined factors can cause an accident to occur.

• Pennsylvania has added protection for those injured on a common carrier.

• Since a bus, taxi, train or trolley is not a private passenger vehicle, there is no threshold for recovery of pain and suffering damages. The limited tort option contained in the Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law does not apply to common carriers.

• And, even if you do not own a vehicle, or live with a relative that owns a vehicle, there are medical and uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits that are available to eligible claimants.

• If you or a loved one has been injured by a common carrier, it is important to act quickly.

• A claim must be filed within two years of the accident.

• If the common carrier is operated by a government agency, a claim must be filed within six (6) months of the accident.

To learn more about your rights and what damages you can recover, contact the attorneys at Warren McGraw & Knowles LLC.

For more information, see our information on motor vehicle accidents.