Subway Accidents in San Francisco – Injuries Sustained from Negligence

Each day there are over 300,000 riders on the Bay Area Rapid Transit subways. Most are commuters who ride the trains to and from work. Others are residents or tourists looking for fast, efficient and safe travel to popular destinations in the Bay Area. With so many people passing through the BART stations and riding the trains, accidents are bound to happen.

Types of subway accidents in San Francisco

Although subway trains can collide with each other or derail, these types of accidents are rare. The predominant type of subway accident is a slip or fall. The number of riders passing through the subway stations creates wear and tear on stairways and platforms. The volume of people also increases the possibility of liquids being spilled, creating slippery surfaces for those navigating the trains and stations.

BART has the same responsibilities as other property owners for maintaining their properties and for preventing known unsafe conditions on their properties. If you fall on a BART train or in a BART station, you need to prove BART was failing to maintain the property or should have known about and removed the hazard that caused your accident.

Because BART is a municipal entity, there are special time limits for filing a claim for injuries. Those injured on subway trains or subway property only have 180 days from the date of the accident to file a claim with BART.

San Francisco subway injury

If you are injured in a subway accident, there are a few things you can do to help your accident case.

• Call the BART transit police and paramedics to report your injuries.
• Note any defects that contributed to your accident. Water on the floor from leaky pipes, stairway treads that are worn and slippery, or handrails or guardrails that are broken or missing are examples of defects.
• If possible, take pictures to document the accident scene.
• Gather contact information from witnesses of your accident.

All of these actions will help an accident attorney determine if BART is responsible for your injuries.

Contact us

Attorneys at the San Francisco accident law firm of Albert G. Stoll, A Law Corporation have extensive experience in subway accident settlements and lawsuits. We can help you sort out the details of your accident case and file a BART claim within the 180 day timeframe. Contact us today for consultation on your case.