Public Transit Accidents
Injured in an Ottawa public transit accident? Turn to MG Law
MG Law’s best personal injury lawyer Ottawa teamcan help
Home to over 1.4 million people, Ottawa public transit accidents are more common than you think. Sure, running to catch Ottawa city bus when you’re in a hurry is one thing. Getting a seat during busy commuter hours is another. But what happens when Ottawa public transit slams to a halt causing you to fall and seriously injure yourself? What then?
When Ottawa city transit bus accidents occur, they can lead to complex personal injury cases that require expert legal guidance. If you’ve been injured, consult with our skilled personal injury lawyers to protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Causes of Public Transit Accidents
Public transit accidents on Ottawa bus routes can occur due to various factors, often leading to serious consequences, including brain injury. Understanding these causes is crucial for anyone for effective legal proceedings.
Driver’s Fault
Mistakes made by transit operators are a leading cause of public transit accidents. These errors can include:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Inadequate Training
- Failure to Follow Traffic Signals
Road Conditions
Poorly maintained or designed roads can increase the risk of public transit accidents. Key concerns include:
- Potholes and Uneven Pavement
- Poorly Marked Lanes
Poor Maintenance
Inadequate upkeep of Ottawa’s public transit vehicles and infrastructure can lead to preventable accidents. Common maintenance issues include:
- Worn Tires or Brakes
- Inadequate Vehicle Inspections
- Faulty Traffic Signals or Infrastructure
Pedestrians and cyclists can unintentionally cause accidents by:
- Sudden Movements into the Path of a Bus
- Ignoring Traffic Signals
Mechanical Failures
Even well-maintained buses can suffer from unexpected mechanical issues that lead to accidents. Common failures include:
- Malfunctions in Braking Systems
- Engine Issues
- Faulty Vehicle Components
Weather Conditions
Ottawa’s unpredictable weather can significantly impact bus routes and overall road safety. Adverse conditions include:
- Snow, Ice, and Rain
- Fog
The behaviour of other drivers on the road is a significant factor in public transit accidents. Risks include:
- Reckless or Negligent Behavior
- Sudden Lane Changes.
- Failure to Yield
Passenger actions can also contribute to accidents, especially when they:
- Stand or Move Around While the Vehicle is in Motion
- Engage in Disruptive Actions that Distract the Driver
The “No Crash, No Cash” rule on public transit in Ottawa
Commonly known as the “No Crash, No Cash” rule in Ontario, if you fall on Ottawa public transit and the vehicle wasn’t involved in a collision, you could be in for a nasty surprise. As of May 2011, Ottawa public transport riders who sustain injuries can no longer pursue Ontario accident benefits if the vehicle they were riding “did not collide with another automobile or any other object in the incident.”
This is defined by section 268(1.1) of the Insurance Act R.S.O. 1990, c. 1.8. This is very demoralizing for victims of Ottawa public transit accidents particularly. There are numerous everyday instances where motor vehicle accidents are caused by sudden acceleration or break leading to sudden falls, and subsequent injuries.
Who Can You Hold Liable?
In some cases, a driver on Ottawa city bus routes may need to make sudden, erratic maneuvers to avoid a collision with a negligent driver. But if that driver is unidentified, how can you seek compensation for an Ottawa personal injury? Even if the bus driver successfully avoids a collision and the other vehicle remains unidentified, you are still entitled to compensation under Unidentified and Uninsured Motorist Coverage.
All motor vehicle policies in Ontario, including those covering Ottawa Canada public transportation buses, are required to include provisions for unidentified and uninsured motorists. The total limit for damages under these provisions is capped at $200,000 per accident.
Additionally, the Ontario Insurance Act mandates that all insurance policies must provide uninsured coverage. This ensures rightful compensation if you’re injured by an uninsured driver, involved in a hit-and-run, or the at-fault driver is unknown. In such cases, the bus insurer will assume the role of the uninsured or unidentified driver.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help
Rest assured, MG Law has dealt with Ottawa public transit accidents before. Back in 2014, we helped an Ottawa woman sue OCTranspo for a fall on a bus. We understand that the rare loophole of “No Crash, No Cash” can make it incredibly difficult to obtain compensation.
Getting medical and rehabilitation expenses for pain and suffering, income replacement, and the care you need can be a challenge. The MG personal injury law team helps clients injured in accidents involving Ottawa public transport vehicles. Not only that but we represent accident victims who are injured as a result of bus driver negligence, abrupt acceleration, braking, and subsequent falling.
Need an Ottawa public transit accident lawyer?
The MG Law team takes pride in being readily available to discuss your options after being seriously injured in Ottawa public transport accidents. We understand that accident claims of this kind aren’t always straightforward. That’s why we’re here to guide you through all your options. In fact, we’ll meet you for free to get started.
We provide legal services in English, French, Greek, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Punjabi, Hindi, and all Arabic dialects to serve you better. For more information about personal injury claims and Ottawa public transit accidents, MG Law is more than happy to help. Call 613-730-8460 to get your free consultation.
Ottawa public transport accidents can happen any time. If you were involved in an accident, and it wasn’t your fault, call MG Law at 613-730-8460 to get started today.
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