High congestion, traffic, and pollution continue to be increasing problems across the United States. Connecticut is no exception. It is not surprising that many are choosing to opt for public transit in lieu of a private vehicle as both a fast and environmentally-friendly option.
Thankfully, residents of Hartford have access to varied and practical alternative public transportation options. In fact, as CTInsider reported, Hartford’s CTfastrak bus system topped the list for bus systems in the country and was the only system in the United States that made the top 50 list worldwide in the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy’s 2024 rankings.
However, despite the benefits of using public transportation, it is not without risks. According to Connecticut Department of Transportation data, between 2015 and the first half of 2025, Hartford reported 178 accidents that involved a bus that resulted in an injury and 1 that resulted in a fatality.
What happens when someone is injured in a bus or train accident? Keep reading or contact Gould Injury Law directly. In this article, we will first examine some key first steps to take after being involved in a public transit accident. Then, we will consider some key factors that could impact a potential injury claim.
First Steps to Take After a Train or Bus Accident
It is normal to feel overwhelmed after an accident or unsure of what to do. However, there are a few important steps you can take to ensure the safety of yourself and others and help any future claims related to the incident.
Prioritize safety
Your first priority immediately following an accident is to make sure you and others around you are safe. If possible, move yourself and others away from any dangers that might be present as fast as possible. This could include fallen power lines, fires, or flammable liquids.
Call emergency services
If you are able to do so, dial 911. If not, assign someone specific to do so. This will ensure both police and medical emergency services are notified of the crash and help is on the way.
Begin gathering evidence
Depending on the seriousness of your injuries and the nature of the crash, it may be possible to begin gathering evidence at the scene of the accident. This may include contact information from witnesses or photos and videos of the property damage and injuries caused by the collision. The police report made about the crash may also be used to prove liability in a future injury claim.
Seek medical attention
Immediately after an accident, you may be in shock and unaware of any potential injuries you have sustained. Don’t decline medical treatment, even if you aren’t sure if you are hurt. Seeing a medical professional soon after the incident can help identify underlying injuries faster. The sooner a doctor diagnoses an injury and begins treatment, the better your chances of recovery.
Additionally, seeking medical treatment as fast as possible can help strengthen any future injury claims regarding the accident.
Consult a local bus accident attorney
A free consultation with an experienced Hartford bus accident personal injury attorney can provide needed clarity and direction after an accident. He or she will help explain your rights and the legal options available to you.
If you decide to work with the bus accident lawyers at Gould Injury Law, your legal team will work to ensure you recover fair compensation for your losses.
Factors That Will Influence Your Potential Train or Bus Accident Claim
If you have been injured in a Connecticut public transit accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve fast, fair compensation. While there are some similarities, bus and train accidents are often more complex than regular car accidents.
Various factors can influence a potential injury claim. Don’t wait to see how things play out on your own – call Gould Injury Law for answers today.
The liable party or parties
In any personal injury case, determining liability, or fault, is an essential first step to recovering compensation. At times, there may be multiple parties that are liable for your injuries.
Common liable parties in public transit accidents include:
- The bus driver or train operator: Although bus drivers and train operators are trained professionals, they are prone to mistakes and operator error. Fatigue, distraction, and negligence can have disastrous results.
- A municipal agency: Negligence on the part of a governmental agency responsible for the operation or maintenance of a transportation system may play a role in a crash. These cases tend to be especially complex as sovereign immunity laws are applicable.
- The bus company: Although CTtransit is government-owned, many of its bus services are contracted out to private companies. Depending on the details of the crash, these private operators may be liable.
- The vehicle or part manufacturer: A faulty or defective part may cause an accident. This may include the brakes, electrical components, tires, or safety mechanisms.
- Other drivers or motorists: At times, another driver or motorist’s negligence is to blame for the crash. This can include driving under the influence, speeding, or failing to yield.
The extent of your injuries
Bus or train accidents can result in serious injuries or even a fatality. This is especially true when they involve pedestrians or cyclists.
Depending on the specific circumstances of the crash, fair compensation may include:
- Medical care and treatment costs
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Emotional pain and suffering
This compensation should include not only past and present losses, but also take into consideration future expenses and losses related to the injuries.
Get Help Fast With Gould Injury Law
At Gould Injury Law, our injury lawyers fight for our clients’ rights. We take our title of “The Fast Firm” seriously. That’s why we are determined to provide each of our clients with the fast, fair compensation they need and deserve.
Every day, our legal team puts its experience, strength, and passion into representing clients across Connecticut. We want to do the same for you and your family. Call Gould Injury Law today at 888-WIN-FAST for a free consultation to learn how we can get moving on getting you results.
