Transit Accident Lawyers | Oklahoma City Injury Attorneys

Oklahoma City’s transit system is an essential part of everyday life. It commutes residents and visitors, connecting them across the metropolitan area. From the bustling EMBARK bus network to the unique OKC Streetcar, the city offers several options for public transportation. While these services provide convenience, they are not without some risk.

Accidents involving public transit can result in serious injuries and complex legal challenges. If you’ve been involved in a transit accident in Oklahoma City, it’s important that you seek help from experienced Oklahoma City transit accident lawyers.

Types of Transit Accidents in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City’s public transportation system includes buses, streetcars, bike shares, and even river ferries. While each mode of transit makes moving around the city easier, each presents its own set of hazards.

Public Bus Accidents

Oklahoma City’s public bus system is a vital service that spans 23 routes. Although a reliable and convenient source of transportation, bus accidents can occur for the same reasons other vehicles have accidents — such as:

Driver Error: Distracted driving, speeding, or fatigue can lead to collisions.
Poor Maintenance: Faulty brakes or worn tires can compromise safety.
Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and poor signage can increase the risk of accidents.

Streetcar Accidents

The OKC Streetcar offers a fun and convenient way to move about downtown, but it also presents unique risks:

Collisions With Vehicles: Streetcars share the road with other vehicles, making them vulnerable to collisions.
Derailments: Mechanical failures or obstacles on the tracks can cause derailments.
Pedestrian Accidents: Streetcars operate in busy areas where pedestrian traffic is high, leading to potential accidents.

Train Accidents

While train services in Oklahoma City are less common, they still pose risks to our community.

Hazards: These can include collisions with vehicles at crossings, derailments, or accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Common Causes: Negligence, poor maintenance, or unsafe crossing conditions are often to blame.

Common Causes of Transit Accidents

Most factors that contribute to transit accidents in Oklahoma City are preventable. Here we share the common causes of these accidents to hopefully prevent future accidents.

Driver Negligence

Driver error is one of the leading causes of transit accidents. This can include:

Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or other distractions while driving
Speeding: Driving too fast for road conditions or exceeding speed limits
Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel without taking necessary stops for rest

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Transit vehicles require regular maintenance to operate safely. Common maintenance issues include:

Faulty Brakes: Worn or faulty brakes can lead to accidents.
Tire Failures: Tires that are not properly maintained can blow out or lose traction.
Mechanical Failures: Other failures may include steering or suspension systems that might fail if not properly maintained.

Poor Road Conditions

The condition of the roads also plays a significant role in transit accidents. Some of these conditions include:

Potholes: Large and unexpected potholes can cause vehicles to lose control.
Construction Zones: Poorly marked or managed construction zones can lead to accidents.
Inadequate Signage: Lack of proper road signs can confuse drivers and lead to collisions.

Weather Conditions

Weather in Oklahoma City can be unpredictable, and adverse conditions can make transit more dangerous. The following conditions can influence road safety:

Rain: Wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distances.
Snow and Ice: Winter weather can lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility.
Fog: Fog can limit visibility, making it harder for drivers to see other vehicles.

Negligence by Transit Companies

Transit companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers. Negligence on their part can include:

Inadequate Driver Training: Proper training is essential for safe operation of transit vehicles.
Poor Safety Protocols: Failing to implement or follow safety procedures can lead to accidents.
Poor Maintenance: Consistent and thorough maintenance on all transit vehicles is critical to public safety.

Injuries Common in Transit Accidents

Transit accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which can have long-term effects on accident victims:

Physical Injuries

The physical impact of a transit accident can be severe, with injuries such as:

Whiplash: This is a common injury in collisions, often affecting the neck and spine.
Broken Bones: Fractures are common in high-impact accidents.
Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in paralysis or chronic pain.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries can have long-lasting cognitive and physical effects.

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

The trauma of a transit accident can extend far beyond physical injuries and leave lasting emotional challenges, such as:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Victims may experience flashbacks, anxiety, or other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Anxiety and Depression: The psychological impact of an accident can lead to long-term mental health challenges.

Financial Impact

In addition to all the above mentioned physical and emotional injuries, transit accidents can cause devastating financial damage. That includes:

Medical Bills: The cost of emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment can quickly add up.
Lost Wages: Time off work due to injury can lead to lost income (present and future).
Long-Term Care Costs: Some injuries may require lifelong care, leading to substantial financial burdens.

Steps to Take After a Transit Accident in Oklahoma City

If you’re involved in a transit accident in Oklahoma City, the following steps are key to protecting your safety and your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical care, even for minor injuries. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and establish medical records that support your claim.

2. Report the Accident
Notify the transit operator and report the incident to the police. An official report from authorities can be an important piece of evidence for determining liability and supporting your case.

3. Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of the scene, gather witness contact information, and preserve any physical evidence. These actions can provide essential support for your claim.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Report the facts when providing details to avoid complications later. Say nothing more than the factual details so that nothing you say gets twisted or used against you.

5. Contact an Oklahoma City Transit Accident Lawyer
Contact a lawyer early to help handle the legal details and communications. They can also protect your rights while you focus on recovery.

6. Follow Up on Medical Care
Stick with your treatment plan and keep records of all medical visits and expenses. This documentation is critical for your compensation claim.

7. Keep Detailed Records
Maintain a file of all relevant documents, including medical records, expenses, and correspondence with insurance companies, to ensure no detail is overlooked in your case.

Liability in Oklahoma City Transit Accidents

Determining who is at fault in a transit accident can be complicated. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced law firm on your side to understand how to establish proof of fault. They can determine fault by examining evidence such as:

Accident Reports: Official reports from the transit company or police.
Surveillance Footage: Video evidence from cameras on the vehicle or at the scene.
Witness Testimony: Statements from those who saw the accident.

More Than One Liable Party?

In some cases, multiple parties may share fault for the accident. For example:

Drivers and Transit Operators: Both may be partially responsible.
Transit Companies and Maintenance Providers: Negligence in vehicle maintenance or safety protocols can also contribute to accidents.

Claims Against Public Entities

Filing a claim against a public transportation service presents its own set of challenges:

Sovereign Immunity: Public entities often have protections that make it harder to sue them. In the case of a government entity, they cannot be sued unless they agree one can sue them.
Strict Deadlines: There may be shorter time limits for filing a claim against a public entity.

Compensation for Transit Accident Victims

Victims of transit accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation for the following damages:

Medical Expenses: Covering the cost of treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work and loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for any personal property damaged in the accident.

Why Choose Our Oklahoma City Transit Accident Lawyers?

When you choose our team of Oklahoma City transit accident lawyers, you benefit from:

Experience in Vehicle Accident Cases: Our lawyers have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in transit accident cases.
Client-Centered Approach: We put your needs first, offering personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.
Proven Track Record: Our team has successfully secured compensation for countless clients.
No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Transit Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in a transit accident in Oklahoma City, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our team today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.