The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is the public transportation agency in the city responsible for maintaining and operating city buses, as well as the paratransit system serving the areas of Hendersonville, Nashville, and Davidson County. While there is no doubt that taking a public bus in Nashville is one of the more affordable, convenient, and responsible ways to travel, public vehicles and their operators are equally as vulnerable to accidents caused by acts of negligence as are other vehicles on the road.
If you are involved in an accident involving a public vehicle, our injury lawyers can help you. To learn more about what to do after an accident involving mass transit, call the offices of Bednarz Law for your free consultation today.
Top Causes of Public Transportation Bus Accidents
Bus accidents almost always occur because of an act of negligence or recklessness, both of which are preventable acts of fault. Examples of faults that could lead to a crash include:
- Bus driver error and negligence, such as taking a turn too quickly, operating a bus at an unsafe speed for conditions, driving while impaired or intoxicated, driving aggressively, and failing to follow posted traffic laws
- Nashville MTA negligence, including failing to train bus drivers properly, or failing to service and maintain buses
- The fault of a third party, such as the operator of a separate vehicle that, via an act of negligence, crashes into the bus or causes the bus to crash
- Manufacturer negligence occurs when a product defect, such as a tire blowout or an engine failure, causes the accident
Liability for a bus accident depends on who is at fault for the accident. If you are involved in a bus accident, our attorneys will investigate the crash on your behalf to determine who should be held liable for the damages you have suffered.
Can I File a Claim Against the MTA?
Suppose a private party is liable for the damages you have suffered, such as the third-party driver of a vehicle or a manufacturer of a defective bus part. In that case, you will file a claim directly against this third party. However, if you are filing a claim against the MTA, there is an additional step that you must take: filing a notice of claim. If the MTA denies your claim (i.e., refuses to pay your demanded compensation amount), you will then have the right to pursue a lawsuit and bring your case to court.
Our Experienced Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help
Suppose you are harmed in a public transportation accident in Hendersonville or Nashville, TN. In that case, you must understand that you have legal rights, including the right to recover compensation for the harm you have suffered. To improve your chances of recovering the maximum amount of compensation available to you, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced mass transit injury lawyer. At Bednarz & Bednarz, we have the skill set and history of success you’re looking for. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
