When You’ve Been Injured by a Common Carrier Accident
Many people have taken rides on trains, airplanes, and in taxicabs. When you ride in one of these vehicles, you are utilizing the service of a common carrier. What is a common carrier vehicle? These modes of transportation are business vehicles that transport people to and from places for a fee. When a passenger is injured in an accident involving one of these vehicles, they might have to bring a special type of claim to receive compensation in the midst of their accident.
Liability in Common Carrier Accidents
Common carriers are offering their services to people. In doing so, they are also making a promise to clients that they will get them to another place in a safe manner. Carriers, as such, are always expected to exercise a standard duty of care to those who use these services so that they can ensure that they make it to their destination without problems.
One reason why these claims are brought every year is that companies that own these vehicles might not warn passengers of a potentially dangerous condition. For instance, what if a pilot did not turn on a fasten seatbelt sign during heavy turbulence and a passenger is thrown onto the floor? A reasonably careful operator should always be prepared for these situations and should always keep protecting a victim in mind. That is their duty of care.
What You Must Show in Your Claim
In order for you to prove common carrier negligence and be successful in your claim, you must be able to show the following aspects:
- That the defendant owed you a duty of care with respect to all passengers who utilize their services
- The defendant breached that duty of care through their negligent actions or inactions
- The breach in their duty of care actually led to your physical injuries
- You suffered any type of damages
Of course, to be able to show that another party is liable for your injuries and other related damages, you must be able to obtain evidence that can be useful in your claim. For instance, you might want to start speaking with those who may have witnessed the accident and can back up your claim in court. You also want to obtain photographs from the accident scene and of your injuries. Lastly, do not forget to obtain medical treatment that can be beneficial in showing that you were injured as a result of the collision.
Speaking with an Attorney After Your Accident
No claim should be handled alone when you are up against a big company and have sustained serious injuries due to another party’s recklessness. When a driver does not uphold the duty of care that they owe to you, you could find yourself in the midst of a Florida personal injury claim seeking compensation from a negligent party. Our attorneys at Sheftall & Associates are highly skilled at helping victims obtain compensation for their losses. Please contact our accident attorneys at 904-647-2296 for help you deserve in your time of need.