Officials at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Administration (WMATA) are in a difficult position. They operate the third busiest transit system in the country. However, WMATA has been plagued with accidents, derailments, and shootings. Metrorail, Metro, operates in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. WMATA has bus service as well. Further, WMATA is self-insured which makes it difficult for injury victims to get a fair shake. Those injured in Metro Accidents in Glen Burnie should contact a lawyer right away.
History
Many Metro accidents are blamed on negligent drivers. Sadly, a computer error resulted in the death of a metro operator several years ago. Since then, operators drive trains themselves. Witnesses spot them texting and talking on the phone frequently.
One of the scariest incidents occurred in D.C. in 2015 during evening rush hour. A train suddenly started filling with smoke. 84 persons were transported to hospitals, and one person died. The incident was caused by an electrical problem. However, WMATA was criticized for the accident response. A fatal crash in 2009 was blamed on faulty equipment.
Filing A Claim
Metro trains are so large and move so fast that injuries can be catastrophic or fatal. Victims injured in Metro Accidents in Glen Burnie must file a notice of claim within six months. The claim may be barred if the right department does not receive notice on time. That’s why it is important to have a lawyer who regularly deals with WMATA. Many in the legal field say WMATA fails to negotiate in good faith. The victim’s attorney must prove that Metro was negligent. However, Metro is a common carrier and has a greater “duty of care” than the average person.
Each Claim Is Unique
Lawyers must fight to obtain adequate settlements for clients. However, they are prepared to file a lawsuit if necessary. Damages in WMATA cases usually include past and future medical bills and lost wages. Also, lawyers seek to recover funeral expenses, the cost of psychological counseling and pain and suffering. The lawyer investigates every detail of a claim to ensure the client receives the largest settlement possible. For more information, visit Jaklitsch Law Group.
