Trolley Accidents: Common Causes and How to Get Legal Help

Trolleys (or “streetcars”) can be a fun and cost-efficient mode of transportation, and they’re especially popular in places like San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, and Philadelphia. In cities where traffic is heavy and parking is scarce, it’s no wonder that trolleys are an attractive alternative to driving a car.

Unfortunately, because many trolleys have outdated equipment and/or inexperienced operators, accidents do happen. In the Delaware Valley alone (which includes Philadelphia), from 2008 to 2010 there were 144 trolley crashes.

If you were injured in a trolley accident, you may be able to recover significant financial compensation. Keep reading to learn how a Morgan & Morgan trolley accident lawyer can help.

Causes of Trolley Accidents

Although most trolley rides go off without a hitch, the accident rate per passenger is relatively high compared to trains. Like any other mode of transportation, they do present a unique set of risks for riders. Some common causes of trolley accidents include:

• Operator inattention
• Operator inexperience
• Faulty equipment
• Poorly maintained trolley tracks
• Pedestrians or cyclists on tracks
• Operator under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Types of Trolley Accidents

Generally speaking, most trolley accidents fall into one of the following categories:

• Collision with a car or truck
• Collision with a pedestrian or cyclist
• Derailment
• Fire

Trolley Accident Injuries

Though fatalities from trolley accidents are rare, the injuries sustained can be severe, even life-altering. These are some of the most common injuries that occur in these cases:

• Concussion
• Broken bones
• Ligament damage
• Cuts and burns
• Knocked out teeth

Proving Negligence

If you were injured in a trolley accident and believe the trolley operator or another party may have been at fault, you might be wondering how to go about proving it. “Negligence” is the legal term for liability or responsibility in an accident. Proving liability generally involves satisfying the following criteria:

• The trolley operator owed you a duty of care. They were responsible for operating their vehicle in a safe manner, and they failed to do so.
• They breached their duty. The trolley operator (or another party) breached their legal obligation to avoid harming you.
• Their breach caused the accident. The operator’s actions were responsible for the accident, making them legally liable.
• There were losses suffered as a result. The other party’s actions caused you injury (physical or emotional) and/or property damage.

Potential Damages

If you were injured in a trolley accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Past, current, and future medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Physical therapy
• Loss of life’s enjoyment
• Funeral expenses

Speak to a Trolley Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in an accident, contact the trolley accident lawyers at Morgan & Morgan. Our highly skilled attorneys can review the facts of your case to determine liability for your injury and help you collect financial compensation during this difficult time. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no cost to get started, and we get paid only if you win. To learn more, schedule a free case evaluation now.