Public Transportation Injury Attorney Michigan: Holding Transit Agencies Accountable

You trusted the system. Whether you were riding a DDOT bus, hopping on a SMART route, or catching an Amtrak train, you had every right to expect a safe ride. But in a moment—a sudden stop, a crash, a slip on a filthy platform—that trust was shattered.

Public transportation injuries aren’t just painful. They’re disorienting, humiliating, and often preventable. From broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, the physical and emotional toll is real—and the fight for accountability shouldn’t fall on your shoulders alone.

We know how these agencies operate. We know the legal loopholes they try to hide behind. And we know how to hit back with precision, strategy, and zero hesitation.

We represent passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and even transit employees who were injured due to the negligence of public transportation systems. These are complex, high-stakes cases involving government agencies and powerful legal teams—but that doesn’t scare us. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the biggest, and we’ve won.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Public Transit Injuries

Transit Agencies (e.g., DDOT, SMART, Amtrak, MTA)

City- and state-run transportation systems are not above the law. Agencies like DDOT in Detroit, SMART in the suburbs, and Amtrak statewide can be sued for injuries resulting from:

• Unsafe driving by their employees
• Poorly maintained vehicles
• Inadequate safety procedures or training
• Failure to provide safe boarding conditions

These agencies often hide behind layers of bureaucracy and legal immunity. We know how to break through that wall.

Negligent Drivers or Operators

Bus drivers, train conductors, and other operators have a legal obligation to transport passengers safely. If they were:

• Distracted
• Speeding
• Under the influence
• Violating safety protocols

They—and the agency that hired them—may be fully liable.

Maintenance Contractors & Vehicle Inspectors

Transit systems rely on third-party vendors for inspections, repairs, and upkeep. If a brake failure, faulty wiring, or worn tires caused your injury, we’ll investigate whether a contractor cut corners—and name them in your claim.

Security Providers

If you were assaulted or attacked on a transit vehicle or in a station, the security company hired to keep riders safe may be responsible. That includes:

• Failing to patrol high-risk areas
• Ignoring prior complaints or warning signs
• Not responding to emergencies in a timely manner

Negligent security claims can be powerful when we show a pattern of indifference to rider safety.

Manufacturers of Defective Equipment

When defective brakes, doors, steering mechanisms, or other components lead to injury, we bring product liability claims against the manufacturers. These are high-stakes lawsuits—and we come prepared with the engineering experts and legal firepower to win.

Special Rules When Suing Government Entities

Michigan Governmental Tort Liability Act (MCL 691.1401 et seq.)

This law outlines when and how you can sue a public agency. While government bodies are generally immune from lawsuits, there are several critical exceptions—especially in injury cases involving:

• Negligent operation of a government-owned vehicle
• Dangerous conditions in public buildings or transit stations
• Failure to maintain safe public roads or sidewalks

Transit agencies can’t claim immunity if they neglected duties that caused someone to get hurt.

Short Notice Deadlines—As Little As 60 Days

One of the biggest traps in transit injury claims is the notice requirement. Many claims against government entities must be formally reported within:

• 60 days (e.g., for DDOT or city-owned buses)
• 120 days in certain cases involving state entities

Miss these deadlines, and your case could be thrown out—even if it’s rock solid. That’s why it’s critical to contact Marko Law immediately after an accident.

Proprietary Function Exception

Transit systems that charge fares or operate in a business-like way (e.g., selling tickets, running regular routes) may fall under the “proprietary function” exception. That means:

• They’re acting like a business, not a government body
• They can be sued like a private company
• Government immunity doesn’t apply

We use this exception to pierce the shield of immunity and hold transit agencies legally and financially accountable.

Public Duty Doctrine (and Why It’s Not Absolute)

Transit agencies may argue they only owe a general duty to the public—not to any one individual. But if they:

• Knew of a specific hazard
• Ignored a foreseeable risk
• Failed to respond to a specific, reportable danger

They may still be liable under civil rights and personal injury law.

Duty of Care for Common Carriers in Michigan

Heightened Duty of Care

Unlike ordinary drivers or property owners, common carriers must go above and beyond. They are legally obligated to:

• Operate vehicles safely and predictably
• Ensure safe boarding and exit for all riders
• Maintain vehicles and stations in a hazard-free condition
• Respond appropriately to emergencies or threats

Negligence that might be excusable elsewhere is not excusable on public transit. That includes sudden stops, uncleaned spills, broken handrails, and even operator inattention.

Obligation to Prevent Foreseeable Harm

Transit systems must protect passengers from:

• Physical hazards on the vehicle or at stops
• Assaults or harassment by other passengers
• Equipment malfunctions or operator error

If it’s foreseeable, it’s preventable—and if it’s preventable, it’s their legal responsibility.

Duty Extends Beyond the Vehicle

The law doesn’t stop at the bus doors. Transit agencies are also responsible for:

• Boarding platforms
• Sidewalks adjacent to stops
• Parking lots and drop-off zones
• Waiting areas and terminals

So if you were hurt while waiting for a bus or stepping off a train, you may still have a valid case.

Not the Same as Regular Negligence

Because of their common carrier status, public transit agencies can be held to a higher legal standard than the average person or company. That means:

• Juries expect more from them
• Courts give your injury claim more weight
• Their excuses hold even less water

Key Evidence in Public Transportation Injury Cases

Surveillance Footage

Most public transit vehicles and stations are equipped with cameras. If your injury happened on:

• A DDOT or SMART bus
• A train or Amtrak platform
• A transit center or waiting area

There’s a good chance it was recorded. But agencies don’t always preserve footage voluntarily. We send immediate legal demands to preserve video evidence before it’s overwritten. Seeing the incident unfold on camera? That’s powerful.

Witness Testimony

Passengers, bystanders, even other staff members often see what really happened. We identify and interview:

• Other injured riders
• Pedestrians who saw the crash
• Transit employees or first responders
• Bystanders who witnessed unsafe conditions

These voices help corroborate your story and show the jury you weren’t alone in what you experienced.

Operator Logs, Route Data & Maintenance Records

Was the driver speeding? Did the brakes fail? Was a known hazard ignored? We request:

• Driver/operator shift logs
• Vehicle GPS or route data
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Internal repair or incident reports

This information can expose cut corners, policy violations, or mechanical failure—all of which strengthen your claim.

Police Reports & Internal Investigations

If 911 was called or a crash occurred, we pull the police report. Many agencies also conduct internal investigations—some of which acknowledge fault or identify negligence. We get access to:

• Officer and transit authority reports
• Witness interviews
• Safety violation citations

These documents often contain admissions, photos, and safety red flags that transit agencies want buried.

Medical Records & Injury Documentation

Finally, your medical records are essential to show:

• The type and severity of your injuries
• How quickly you sought care
• Your ongoing treatment and prognosis

We also use photos of your injuries, rehab notes, and expert medical opinions to tie everything back to the incident—and show how deeply it’s affected your life.

Call Marko Law—You Deserve a Safe Ride

A public bus, train, or streetcar shouldn’t be a gamble with your safety. When the system fails—and someone gets hurt—the blame shouldn't fall on you. At Marko Law, we fight for riders, pedestrians, and workers across Michigan who were injured on public transit.

Transit agencies may act untouchable. Their insurance companies may deny responsibility. But we don’t back down. We dig deep, demand accountability, and pursue full compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Long-term disability
• Wrongful death, if the worst happens

You focus on healing. We’ll handle the legal battle.

Whether you were thrown from your seat during a reckless stop, injured at a poorly maintained station, or assaulted on a neglected platform—you’re not alone.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

📞 1-833-MARKO-LAW or 1-313-777-7777
📍 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 www.markolaw.com