St. Louis Public Transportation Accident Lawyer

Public Transportation Accident Lawyer St. Louis, MO. Many people throughout Metro St. Louis depend on public transportation, using it on a daily basis and expecting it to deliver them where they want to go, safely and relatively on time. When the bus is late, it is certainly not a violation of your legal rights. But, when you or a loved one is hurt, or worse, in a public transportation accident, you have a legal right to compensation for damages from the responsible organization. Call a public transportation accident lawyer at Burger Law immediately at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation regarding the specifics of your case.

Our St. Louis public transportation lawyers can help you get the medical treatment and compensation you need to get your life back on track. After all, the drivers and operators of metro buses and trains, as well as ferries, trolleys and shuttle buses are supposed to be highly trained. Each day they are entrusted with the safety of their passengers and other motorists on the road. You need a dedicated and experienced attorney in your corner, building a strong case against the responsible, negligent party, so that you and your family can recover compensation for the damages you have sustained.

If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt because a public transportation driver or operator broke the rules, see how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

How Common Are St. Louis Public Transportation Accidents?

According to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation, public transportation accidents totaled 23,371 in 2021. On average, public transportation accidents account for approximately 18,000 injuries and 250 fatalities per year.

While public transportation accidents might not happen all that often, the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved makes the accidents particularly devastating to passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Bus accidents are the most frequent, at least in Missouri – occurring, on average, 1,684 times a year between 2016 and 2020. There were 25 fatal bus accidents in those years. During that same period, there were 4,257 fatal car crashes. Missouri recognizes that driving or operating a mode of public transportation requires special skills, advanced training and abilities, as well as maneuvering techniques, resulting in special licensing. But that recognition does not mean

If you or a loved one has been involved in a public transportation accident, a St. Louis public transportation accident lawyer at Burger Law may be able to help you recover compensation for any injuries you sustained. Call us right away at (314) 500-HURT or complete our online contact form.

What Causes St. Louis Public Transportation Accidents?

Public transportation accidents can result in devastating injuries due to the fact that many of the vehicles travel at high rates of speed. Additionally, passengers may be carrying objects that could become projectiles if a bus rolls over. Similar to car or truck crashes, public transportation accidents tend to encompass one of more contributing factors or causes, such as:

• Distracted driving

No matter the mode of transport, distracted drivers are almost 6 times more likely to cause a car crash than if they were focused on the road.

• Limited experience or training

It is the owner’s responsibility to properly train its employees and put them in situations to gain necessary experience. A bus, for example, is more likely to rollover due to the fact that the vehicle’s center of gravity sits higher above the road surface. Adding to the risk of a rollover is the fact that most passengers do not wear seatbelts and buses typically are not equipped with airbags.

• Recklessness

Frequent causes of recklessness while operating public transportation include:

• Operating while intoxicated
• Speeding
• Cell phone usage
• Neglecting traffic signs/lights
• Adverse weather conditions
• Poor vehicle maintenance

Who Do I Sue After My St. Louis Public Transportation Accident?

If you are injured while on public transportation in St. Louis, the obvious claim to be made is against the driver or operator. Additionally, under Common Carrier laws, you might be entitled to make a claim against the public transportation company that runs that particular means of transport, possibly including governmental operations like the City of St. Louis or State of Missouri or Illinois.

The Common Carrier Liability Act in Missouri is defined by Missouri Revised Statute §390.020 as “any person which holds itself out to the general public to engage in the transportation by motor vehicle of passengers or property for hire or compensation upon the public highways and airlines engaged in intrastate commerce.” Under this law, the facts supporting the conclusion that a business is operating as a common carrier include:

• Transportation of property or passengers without refusal or discrimination if the fare or charge is paid
• Published rates or fares
• Reasonable rates or fares
• Published routes
• All required registrations, licenses, permits and insurance
• Carrier represents itself and holds itself out to the general public as a common carrier
• General public recognition as a common carrier
• Revenue generated through common carrier activities substantially contributes to the financial requirements of the carrier’s operation
• Sufficient income from freight transportation charges to reflect that its common carrier operations are a viable part of its business

In Illinois, 740 ILCS 25/ serves as the Common Carrier Liability Act. Call a St. Louis public transportation accident lawyer at Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online.

What are St. Louis ‘Common Carriers’ Responsible For?

In both Missouri and Illinois, common carriers owe their passengers a higher degree of care than the average person does. In Missouri case law, there is no sliding scale for its highest degree of care for common carriers. And in Illinois case law, a common carrier owes its passengers the duty to use the highest degree of care consistent with the type of vehicle used in the practical operation of its business.

Part of the common carriers’ duty of care includes:

• Performing background checks on potential employees before hiring them.
  • Drug screening
  • Checking employment and personal references
  • Validating college degree or accreditation
  • Checking driving records
• Providing proper safety and driver training
• Inspecting and maintaining the safety of vehicles and equipment
• Creating realistic schedules to encourage drivers to take their time and operate vehicles safely
• Exercising reasonable care to protect passengers from potential harm by a third party
• Warning passengers about potential hazards

Call a St. Louis public transportation accident lawyer at Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case or contact us online.

What Qualifies as a St. Louis Public Transportation Accident?

Because of the higher standard of care, several scenarios qualify as accidents on public transportation. And these incidents do not have to occur while the particular vehicle is in motion. The Burger Law public transportation accident lawyers based in St. Louis have years of experience working on accident cases throughout Missouri and Illinois. Some of the types of accidents our St. Louis public transportation accident lawyer sees include:

• Slip and fall accidents on the MetroLink
• Collision with another train or vehicle while aboard MetroLink
• Vehicle or pedestrian accidents on a MetroBus
• Slip and fall accidents on a MetroBus
• Accidents while aboard a trolley
• Accidents while aboard a ferry

Call Burger Law

Reach Out to a St. Louis Public Transportation Accident Lawyer at Burger Law Today

If you have sustained a serious injury in a public transportation accident, you are probably worried and uncertain about your, as well as your family’s, future and how you are going to go about paying for your medical bills and treatment, particularly when you have to take time off work. You do not have to go it alone. The St. Louis public transportation accident lawyers at Burger Law know the impact your injury has on you and your family, know how to stand up to bullies and know how to win cases.

Call a Burger Law public transportation accident lawyer in St. Louis now at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online form for a free case review and to start on the road to recovery.

• Truck Driver Blind Spot Accidents
• Driver Fatigue Accidents
• Commercial Trucking Accidents
• Fatal Accidents
• Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents
• Overloaded / Overweight Trucks
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Jackknife Accidents
• Night Time Truck Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Liable Parties in a Truck Accident
• Public Transportation Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• RV Accidents

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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