Mass Transit Accidents

November 24, 2013

Seat Belt Requirement for Motorcoaches Improve Safety, Accident Survivability

The days of seat belt-free buses will soon be a thing of the past. Recently, officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule to require lap and shoulder seat belts for each individual passenger on new motorcoaches and other similar large buses. Officials believe this will improve the safety of these vehicles by significantly reducing the risks of serious injury or death in the event of an accidents, including the risk of occupants being ejected during rollover accidents.

“Today’s rule is a significant step forward in our efforts to improve motorcoach safety,” said Anthony Foxx, U.S. Transportation Secretary.

Our bus accident attorneys in Massachusetts understand that there is, on average, about 21 people who are killed and another 8,000 injured in large bus accidents in the U.S. each year. Officials believe that by requiring seat belts, they can reduce the risks of serious injury and death by close to 45 percent. Although motorcoach travel is considered to be one of the safest forms of transportation, accidents still happen. And when these accidents happen, there is a serious risk for death and injury because of the speeds at which these vehicles travel and because of the large number of occupants on these buses.
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June 5, 2013

Bus Driver Pleads Not-Guilty After Boston Overpass Collision

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Bus companies are increasingly scrutinized in the wake of a number of accidents along the East Coast, which have resulted in serious injuries and death. The accidents have been caused by fatigued drivers, negligent maintenance, and other acts of negligence on behalf of drivers and bus companies. Last February, 35 teenagers and chaperones were injured after visiting Harvard University. Now the Philadelphia driver accused in the crash has pled not-guilty to the criminal charges stemming from the accident.

Our Boston bus accident attorneys routinely work with accident reconstructionists and other experts to determine the cause of the accident and identify all of the parties responsible for injuries or fatalities. In this case, our legal team would take a comprehensive approach, using witness statements, police records, and other reports to determine the cause of the accident and preserve necessary evidence for a civil case.

Public and private schools, churches, and other organizations will often hire private bus companies to transport students and members to activities and events. In this case, the group of traveling teenagers was from a non-profit called Destined for a Dream Foundation based out of Bristol, Pennsylvania. Recent fatal accidents have raised awareness regarding the safety of these busing companies and the level of scrutiny faced by drivers. Sadly, it can take multiple accidents, injuries and deaths to raise the awareness of legislators and to improve safety regulations for these companies.

In this case, a 67-year-old driver was charged with misdemeanor negligent operation of a motor vehicle. He also faces two civil infractions for traffic violations. Evidence shows that older drivers may have slower reaction times or reduced vision. It is unclear whether the bus company properly screened the driver to ensure that he was capable of operating the bus.

Immediately after a highway bus accident, a private investigation on behalf of any victim can preserve evidence and help to support a claim. According to police, the accident occurred when the driver was following GPS directions but did not see warning signs that indicated a low overpass. The bus struck the overpass on the night of February 2.

While most passengers were not seriously injured, one of the teenage victims suffered a serious spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries often require significant medical attention and long-term care needs. Any serious permanent injury warrants a comprehensive financial recovery for medical expenses, long-term care needs, rehabilitative care as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

After a bus accident involving a private company, the driver, as well as the bus company can be held liable for injuries. If a victim can prove that the bus company failed in a duty to screen drivers, maintain vehicles, or follow safety regulations, that victim or the victim’s family may be entitled to significant compensation for their losses.

In cases involving negligence, a driver may face additional penalties and criminal charges. Evidence of criminal negligence can also be used in a civil personal injury case. The driver in this case pled not-guilty to charges and will return to court on July 24.
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April 12, 2013

Bus Driver Faces Criminal Charges after Boston Bridge Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Officials with the Massachusetts State Police will charge a tour bus operator that recently slammed his bus into an overpass back in February on Boston’s Soldiers Field Road. According to the State of Massachusetts, the charges are the result of an investigation by state police officers who found that the driver was operating negligently to endanger. Because of the investigation, he’s also being charged with a number of civil violations for neglecting to follow instructions on a Department of Conservation and Recreation roadway as well as driving his bus on a DCR roadway.

Our Boston bus accident lawyers understand that the investigation discovered that the driving didn’t listen to warning signs that prohibited buses from driving on that part of the road. At the time of the accident, he was driving a Calvary Coach bus that was carrying teens from Pennsylvania to Harvard for a school visit. The accident happened just before 8:00 p.m. when the driver entered the tunnel that travels under Allston’s Western Avenue bridge. As you can imagine, the bus was too tall for the tunnel, which had a 10 foot height limit.

Upon completing the investigation, officials determined that the bus driver didn’t even attempt to slow down as the bus went into the tunnel. The accident caused some serious damage to the top and front of the bus. Investigators looked at all of the evidence and talked to witnesses. They determined that the signs should have warned the driver of the height of the upcoming bridge.

The bus driver contends he had no knowledge about the road restrictions. Officials argue otherwise, saying signs were clearly visible in the area.

A number of the young bus riders were injured in the accident.

Each and every year, there are thousands of people who are injured of killed on our country’s roadways. Many find these bus accident fatality statistics alarming because these buses are supposed to provide a safe means of travel. According to national bus accident statistics, there were nearly 13,000 buses that were involved in traffic accidents in 2010. In these accidents, more than 225 people were killed.

Officials with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) continue their journey in helping to make these buses safer for everyone by improving safety regulations. But unfortunately compliance is not always a guarantee.

As a passenger, you have rights. You use these busing companies and assume that they’re equipped with safe vehicles and qualified drivers — but that’s not always the case. Do your homework before choosing a bus company. Check their accident reports, their safety history and their safety rating. It’s important to remember that the cheapest fare doesn’t always mean the safest ride, and you can’t put a price tag on your safety.
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February 25, 2013

Harvard Bus Accident Injures 35 Passengers

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

There were 35 people who were injured in a recent bus accident in Massachusetts. According to the Boston Globe, the bus was leaving Harvard when is slammed right into an overpass. The bus was heading back to Philadelphia as the bus’ driver was trying to navigate his way through some of our busiest roadways.

Reports indicate that the man looked down at his GPS, looked back up and slammed into the overpass.

According to Massachusetts State Police, one person is still in the hospital in critical condition from this accident. Four were hospitalized in stable conditions, one was listen under serious condition and one was scheduled to be discharged over the weekend. Some of the passengers were trapped inside the bus for over an hour.

Our Boston bus accident attorneys understand that the bus did not belong on the road it was traveling on — Soldier’s Field Road. As you may know, this is a major crosstown street where there are signs posted regarding the 10-foot height limit. Over-sized, heavy vehicles are prohibited from traveling along this street, but this didn’t stop the Calvary Coach.

Officers are saying that the drivers will likely receive an over-height violation. Massachusetts State Police officers are also looking into how long he was driving that day to see if he was driving longer than allowed under federal law. That might just determine if there will be more serious charges in the case.

The Calvary Coach driver also drives a school bus in Pennsylvania.

Transit officials sent backup buses to the scene of the accident to rescue the passengers and to get them out of the wickedly cold weather.In the collision, there was cosmetic damage done to the bridge and to the road, according to state police. The bus sustained significant damage in the wreck.

You might remember the accident that happened in Syracuse back in 2010. This accident was alarmingly similar as that driver also looked down at the GPS and slammed his bus into an overpass. Four people were killed. The driver was acquitted of homicide charges. He was also accused of being overly sleepy behind the wheel when that accident happened.

The truth of the matter is that there are no excuses for these kinds of accidents.

It’s important that travelers who turn to busing companies do their research before choosing a company. You can do this easily by checking out the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration‘s (FMCSA) SaferBus app. Don’t risk your life or the lives of others by making an uninformed decision. Through this app, you can get immediate information on a busing company’s safety ratings complaint records and performance records. It’s available all day every day so there’s no excuse not to use it. Safety should be your number one priority when choosing a company. And remember, the cheapest bus ticket might not always be your safest choice — and you can’t put a price on your life.
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January 28, 2013

MBTA Copes with the Cold, Aims to Protect Passengers

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

For those in Boston, it should come as no surprise that the recent weather has been uncomfortably cold. Unfortunately, going to work, running errands or going to school is still necessary despite the frigid temperatures. Many people take advantage of the services of MBTA in order to get to their destination, but unfortunately the cold weather can put commuters at risk.

Our Boston injury attorneys want to warn everyone of the serious dangers of the cold weather commute. We also urge MBTA to make every effort to protect its passengers from the extreme cold. Unfortunately, two recent news articles suggest that MBTA is trying to take steps to protect commuters but efforts may be falling short.

MBTA Puts Commuters at Risk for Injuries Due to Extreme Cold

According to 7 News Boston, commuters heading to work on the Green Line on Wednesday were left out into the cold on the coldest day of the year. The problem developed shortly before 8:00 A.M. when electrical cables in a manhole panel caught fire near the MBTA Station on Arlington Street. Because of the fire, MBTA turned commuters out into the cold where they were left trying to find buses or alternative routes to their destination.

Service did not resume until 11:00 A.M. and commuters expressed frustration with being left out into the cold. While 7 News Boston reported that no one was injured as a result of the whole incident, the fact is that winter presents a risk to MBTA riders. Those who take the mass transit are in danger of developing frostbite or hypothermia as they wait for extended periods in the cold. Other winter weather dangers also exist including the potential for slipping and falling or being hit by vehicles.

On the same day as their report about the Green Line incident, 7 News Boston also reported the MBTA was going to start monitoring trains in light of the bitter cold weather.

This article indicated that the extreme cold in Boston affects the trains, which in turn adversely affect commuters. As of the January 23 article, temperatures were not expected to go above 17 degrees with a wind chill making it feel more like five degrees below. In 2011, when temperatures fell to similarly freezing levels, many trains were down and there were long delays. The delays and problems with the trains caused by the cold compound the risk of injury to commuters who are left in the freezing cold waiting for a train that is slow to arrive.
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August 5, 2011

Train Accident Shuts Down AmTrack Trips between Boston and New York

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A large truck was the cause of canceled train trips after the driver ran his vehicle into an overhead power system near New Haven, Connecticut. The collision caused Amtrak to suspend all trains traveling between Boston and New York for more than three hours last week, according to The Wall Street Journal. Trains between New York and Boston were the only ones affected in the accident.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers urge all residents and visitors to take advantage of the convenient public transportation options that are offered throughout our state. We would also like to take this time to raise awareness about the importance of passenger safety on these rides. This goes out to those traveling near these modes of mass transit as well. Transportation companies are responsible for providing safe transportation for residents and visitors of our city. A number of injuries that occur within mass transit accidents can be easily prevented by taking a few precautionary steps.

As we recently reported on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, the MBTA witnesses nearly 2,500 accidents each year that are caused by motor-vehicle drivers. The MBTA believes that roughly 500 of these accidents could be prevented.

New Haven police are investigating the AmTrak accident from earlier this week. No train passengers were hurt in the accident, according to Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari.

Amtrak crews have already made repairs to the damaged tracks and to the overhead power system. Service between New York and Boston has been restored.

There are more than 600 railroads in the United States. About 200,000 miles of track help these trains navigate throughout the country. There have been about 12,000 train accidents annually since 2002. Unfortunately, these accidents took the lives of about 1,000 people. Train accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including the negligence of the train operator, lack of safety provisions by train companies, locomotives, trolleys and even motor-vehicle operators.

These companies are required by law to effectively protect all passengers and operators of their vehicles. These accidents can occur in any number of places, including at railroad crossings where light is dim and where signals fail to notify passenger vehicle occupants that a train is approaching.

Trains are also able to derail. This can happen because of mechanical failures or improper track and equipment maintenance. Speedy or fatigued drivers also contribute to these accidents. Oftentimes cargo can become loose or unsecured in the event of an accident, resulting in spills of hazardous waste or other dangerous objects.

Determining the cause and the fault of a train accident, or any other mass transit accident, can be a complicated and lengthy process. You are urged to seek an attorney if you’ve been involved in one of these accidents as they can help you determine fault and proper compensation.
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July 18, 2011

Seven Passengers in Hospital after Massachusetts Bus Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A Massachusetts bus accident sent seven Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus passengers to area hospitals recently. The bus accident happened on Route 28 when a motorist reportedly made a sharp left turn in front of the MBTA bus and forced the bus driver to slam on the brakes to avoid a major collision, according to The Milford Daily News.

The driver of the SUV that cut off the bus, a 72-year-old Milton resident, was taken to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and reportedly suffered a neck injury. The elderly driver will be cited for failing to yield when turning, says T spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

We know that Massachusetts residents and visitors rely on this form of public transportation on a daily basis. We expect these buses to get us to and from our destinations safely.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that these travelers also trust that the operator of these buses, trains and subways have completed proper training and possess safe, alert and cautious driving habits. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. According to the MBTA website, its drivers are typically involved in nearly 2,500 accidents every year. About 500 of these accidents are considered to be preventable. The MBTA buses take about 4.5 million bus trips every year. MBTA buses have been involved in 11 fatalities since 2000.

The injured bus passengers were from Randolph:

-Marie Dory, 60
-Felicia Florence, 45
-Connie Harding, 55
-Linda Whittaker, 48
-Evelyn Morales, 37
-Kennie Boulin, 21
-Jean Nelson, 39
The bus driver reports that the bus was heading north on Randolph Avenue when the SUV tried to turn left onto Chickatawbut Road in front of the bus. The driver says that the bus and the SUV still made some contact after she braked.

Luckily, about 350 buses of the MBTA fleet of more than 1,000 come equipped with eight cameras a piece. These bus cameras provide views of inside the bus, in front of the bus and on either side of the bus. Some MBTA subway cars and stations also have video cameras. These cameras can help implicate some people and vindicate others in the event of an accident.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis, nearly 40 MBTA accidents have been reported to have occurred from January to March of this year. During the first three months of 2011, there were 2 reported fatalities involving an MBTA accident or incident. In 2009, there were 221 fatal bus crashes reported across the United States. The same year in Massachusetts, there was one single bus accident that resulted in a fatality.

We rely on the operators of these buses every day to travel our roadways safely. With the proper training, cautious driving techniques and safe driving habits, we can all hope to enjoy public transportation without injury.
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June 4, 2011

Two New Locomotives to MBTA to Save Money and Reduce Risk of Injury in Boston Train Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) recently purchased two advanced locomotives from the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), making for the newest editions to the fleet in decades. These new additions were picked up by the MBTA because they were not only more fuel and energy efficient, but they meet new safety regulations. With these new locomotives, passengers are expected to be better protected during a train accident Boston and elsewhere throughout the area.

“These new locomotives are more fuel efficient and more reliable, improving on-time performance for the benefit of the commuters,” said Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray.

Many residents and visitors use our public transportation system for quick and efficient travel throughout the area. However, riding on our subways and trains is not always a safe endeavor. Riding public transportation comes with its own risks. Our Boston personal injury attorneys have reported incidents involving the MBTA and the injuries caused to residents and visitors involved in these mishaps. Riders must put total trust in the drivers and rely on these drivers to get them to their destination safely and in a timely manner. If you are injured in one of these accidents, it is critical that you contact an experienced attorney to help you to fight for your rights against these large transportation companies.

The upgrades to the fleet are expected to lower fuel costs, prevent unnecessary idling and reduce nitrogen oxide levels by 20 tons per engine annually. The reduced fuel usage is expected to save nearly 40,000 gallons of fuel and roughly $80,000 per locomotive each year, according to Government Technology.

“We were able to utilize this technology on the new locomotives,” said Steven Mudge, the MBTA’s director of vehicle engineering, “because in the older [locomotives], if you were to shut down the main engines, then you’d also shut the lights, air conditioning and heat off on all the coaches behind it.”

After calculating the total cost savings the MBTA is considering to update all of their rail fleets to these more fuel efficient cars. The MBTA was able to purchase these new locomotives when the recession reduced the need for Utah’s rail fleet.

“We wanted to have extra locomotives available as our system grew and as we increased our frequency,” said Mudge. “But we were really planning for long range — a 2030 time frame.”

The new train purchases are part of a larger procurement plan by the MBTA. Back in July of 2010, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation board of directors approved a near $115 million contract with Idaho-based Motive Power to supply 20 new diesel-electric locomotives. These 20 locomotives are not expected to be in service until 2013.

The MBTA is currently operating under a contract with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. The current contract includes their fleet of more than 400 coaches and 80 locomotives that carry about almost 150,000 passengers roundtrip every weekday.

“Some of this equipment that was originally built in ’79 is getting fairly expensive to maintain,” Mudge said, “and we’re facing obsolescence on a lot of the components we need on a day-to-day basis.”

Aside from the technology efficiencies, these newly purchased locomotives come equipped with improved safety features. These features meet the American Public Transportation Association’s crashworthiness standards,

They also include conventional strength-based requirements for equipment used at less than 125 mph, dynamic sled testing of occupant seats and crash-energy management for equipment used above 125 mph.

Because of previous accidents, MBTA’s director of vehicle engineering says they’ve pushed to employ crashworthiness techniques and crumple zones to ensure crew and rider safety in the event of an accident.
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May 27, 2011

New Program Aims to Assist Baby Boomer in Car Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Baby Boomers influence a new safety program aimed to help save victims of serious car accidents in Boston and elsewhere in the country, according to USA Today.

The new program, Yellow Dot, will provide a simple and efficient way for emergency responders to collect necessary information from those who have suffered serious injury in a traffic crash. The goal is to get this information within the first 60 minutes following an accident, or the “golden hour”, as this is the time that can mean the difference between life and death for those suffering serious injury.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand the importance of personal information in the event of an accident and collecting that information from a seriously injured motorist can be difficult. We are proud to be 1 of the 8 that currently participate in the program.

Here’s how the Yellow Dot program works:

-Residents receive a yellow dot sticker to place in their rear window.

-Residents then place a folder in their glove box, with a corresponding yellow dot sticker, containing important information including, a photograph, prescription information, medical conditions, and other necessary information.

-If involved in an accident, emergency responders will know, from the yellow dot sticker on your window, to look in the glove box for information that can help them to assist you quicker and more efficiently.

“It is very nice to see innovative programs to address the unique risks associated with older Americans and car crashes,” says Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Since older individuals tend to have more medical conditions, are on more medications and are generally more fragile, this sounds like a well-justified program, especially in light of the growing number of older Americans.”

The first Yellow Dot program in the U.S. started in Connecticut back in 2002. Since then, 8 states picked up the system including Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Virginia, Alabama and New York. Georgia is currently considering the program.

“It’s a promising approach,” says Jonathan Adkins, spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association. “Actually, this is one of the goals of automated crash notification systems. Eventually, when there is a crash, these key data such as medication needed will automatically be available to EMTs, etc. The Yellow Dot program may be a system that can be helpful in the meantime.”

This system was created with Baby Boomers in mind as, in 2009, motorists over the age of 65 experienced nearly 5,500 fatalities as a result of car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Another 187,000 motorists of this age group suffered injuries in this same time period. This age group account for nearly 20 percent of all fatal car accidents during the entire year and another 8 percent for the year total for injuries. Baby Boomers experienced nearly 100 fatalities from car accidents in 2009 alone and without this vital information readily available for emergency responders, these statistics could have been much higher.
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July 6, 2010

Boston boating accident grounds ferry on Fourth of July weekend; 174 people evacuated

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A Boston boating accident involved a tour boat on Saturday and resulted in the evacuation of all 174 passengers and crew members from the ferry, which ran aground in Boston Harbor, NECN reported.

A Boston injury lawyer should always be consulted when someone is injured in a mass transportation accident, whether on a subway, bus or ferry boat or on a tour bus, cruise or other tourist attraction. Companies that provide mass transportation have an obligation to ensure the safety of passengers. A ferry boat that inexplicably runs aground can cause serious or fatal injuries.

The ship ran aground Saturday at 10 a.m., about a mile and a half off the coast of Deer Island. The boat began taking on water and the crew was forced to evacuate everyone on board.

The 168 passengers were taking part in a whale watch and four were injured by the sudden impact. Passengers walking off the rescue vessel described the accident as chaotic, scary and frightening.

Many of the passengers were visitors to Boston for the holiday weekend and had hoped to get a nice tour of Massachusetts Bay.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the accident, according to the Patriot-Ledger.

The boat apparently veered out of well-marked channel and ran aground on a rocky shoal. The shallow area is a known hazard and well-marked on navigation maps.

The crew of the M/V Massachusetts were tested for drug and alcohol use as part of the investigation. The 87-foot vessel is often used for commuter-boat service from Hingham and is owned by Massachusetts Bay Lines.

Several Coast Guard officials said they have never seen an accident in that location, as it is one that experienced boaters steer clear of.
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