Numerous citizens and residents of the greater Phoenix area utilize some form of public transportation on occasion. Some even use public transportation exclusively so that they have no need for personal transit, like bicycling or driving a car. In recent years, Phoenix has responded to this demand by improving the public transit that previously existed as well as creating new options, the most visible of which has been the light rail which runs through portions of the city.
This train system has enabled residents and visitors alike to travel to places that previously were more difficult at an affordable price. Unfortunately, with this increase in rail traffic, some train accidents have occurred between the light rail and other vehicles, including passenger cars and trucks. Numerous injuries and several deaths have been linked to these collisions. When a crash is caused by the negligence or recklessness of a light rail employee or the city, the victims of that incident may be entitled to seek financial relief for their losses, including any medical and surgical bills incurred. A personal injury lawyer in the Valley may help you understand what options are available to you, including whether you have a valid claim for your damages.
The potential for light rail accidents is increasing as continued expansion work takes place on existing routes. Now, city officials in the transit department have confirmed that, thanks in part to a $1.6 million grant from the federal government, the light rail will expand from the downtown Phoenix area south to Baseline Road. The grant will cover approximately half of the anticipated costs and the city of Phoenix will be required to pay at least $1.6 million for the construction as well.
The newly announced expansion will cover approximately a five mile stretch and will potentially serve thousands of people on a regular basis who rely upon other forms of transit right now. Further expansions are taking place along the light rail and others are planned for the future, meaning that expansion efforts likely will take place until at least 2034.
When public transportation works properly and operates in a safe manner, it is a great asset to the citizens of a community and those who utilize the public transit options. But when a collision occurs, it can turn tragic all too quickly.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our legal team is dedicated to the representation of those who have been hurt through the actions of others, and we want to help you and your family as well. We offer a free case consultation without any obligation to all injury victims who contact us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we fight for the best possible outcome in every case we handle and we never charge our clients a fee unless we make a recovery for them. If you have been hurt, call us today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Wrong Way Driver Causes 4 Vehicle Crash on I-10, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published September 12, 2014.
Resource:
It’s official: Light rail coming to south-central Phoenix, by Jonathan Lowe, CBS5AZ.com, published September 14, 2014.