Victims of sudden stops: What injuries do Russians sustain on buses and what can they expect in terms of compensation?

A high-profile accident occurred in the Rostov region: an electric bus ran over a passenger's foot. Sadly, even in public transport, residents of Rostov are not immune to misfortune. What to do in such cases, "KP-Rostov-on-Don" consulted lawyer Andrei Evgenievich Litvinov.

OPEN FRACTURE AND CONCUSSION

The accident took place on January 29 on Stachki Avenue. The driver of bus route No. 88 was closing the doors after passengers boarded. At that moment, a woman attempted to exit but got her foot caught in the doors and fell onto the road. The driver did not notice this and continued driving. Eyewitnesses called the emergency service "112".

Medics and city rescuers arrived at the accident site. They applied a splint to the injured leg and transported her to the hospital by ambulance. She was diagnosed with an open fracture of the left foot and a closed traumatic brain injury.

The Rostov transport company, along with the traffic police, is investigating the causes of the accident and the driver's degree of fault.

- He has been suspended from driving the bus and will be held accountable, - the company reported. - The management of MUP RTC extends its sincere apologies to the victim and her relatives and is ready to assist in her treatment. We assure you that necessary measures will be taken to support the victim based on the investigation results and the severity of the injuries sustained.

The situation is under the control of acting head of the Rostov administration Alexander Skryabin. The Investigative Committee of Russia for the Rostov region is conducting an inspection regarding the safety compliance of the services provided.

The injured Rostov resident received assistance from medics and rescuers. Photo: Department for Civil Defense and Emergency Situations of Rostov-on-Don

RIBS AND FEMUR NECK FRACTURES

In the practice of Rostov lawyer Andrei Litvinov, there have been several cases where residents sustained injuries on public transport. One such incident occurred in April 2023 on 339th Rifle Division Street. The bus driver braked sharply, causing a 67-year-old passenger to fall inside the cabin. He was taken to the hospital with a rib fracture, chest injury, hematoma, bruises, and abrasions on his face.

- The pensioner had just started recovering from COVID-19 — before that unfortunate bus trip, he had been hospitalized with pneumonia, with 88% of his lungs affected, - Andrei Evgenievich adds. - The accident dealt another blow to his already fragile health. Due to the broken rib, the man struggled to breathe and move. He developed insomnia, his blood pressure rose, and the healed wounds on his face left unsightly scars.

However, neither the driver nor the transport company apologized to the victim or inquired about his condition. Ultimately, the man obtained compensation for moral damages amounting to 100,000 rubles through the courts.

A similar accident occurred on Voroshilov Avenue. A 65-year-old woman fell in a bus that braked suddenly. She was taken to the hospital with a neck of femur fracture. After her discharge, the Rostov resident consulted a lawyer. She also managed to claim compensation for moral damages through the court.

It's better not to rush when exiting the bus

Photo: Vladimir VELENGURIN. Go to the Photo Bank of KP

ALL PASSENGERS ARE INSURED

- In the event of an accident where a passenger is injured, the driver is obligated to call the police, an ambulance, and provide first aid until emergency services arrive, - Andrei Evgenievich Litvinov explained. - After treatment, medics will determine the degree of health damage: light, moderate, or severe. This will affect the punishment for the driver — either administrative (fine and license suspension for a certain period) or criminal (imprisonment).

Every transport company insures not only the bus but also the passengers against accidents. Therefore, after treatment, the injured party should contact the carrier's insurance company. They will compensate for material damages — calculate the amount of insurance compensation and cover treatment expenses. The individual is also entitled to seek compensation for moral damages — this can be settled amicably with the transport company. If that does not work, one can go to court.

All public transport passengers are insured against accidents

Photo: Alexey BULATOV. Go to the Photo Bank of KP