Many people in New York rely on subways for transportation to work, school, and other activities. When subway accidents occur, victims can be seriously injured or killed. Subway collisions can result in hundreds of people becoming injured. In some cases, subway riders are assaulted by assailants on the subway due to negligent security practices.
If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a subway accident in New York, it’s essential to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. By taking this step, you are empowering yourself to understand your legal rights and start your path toward justice and recovery. The attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC, are here to guide you and pursue the most compensation possible in your case.
Subway Collisions Caused By Negligence in New York
Most subway accidents could be prevented if everyone involved used best practices. Human errors and machine failures are the leading causes of accidents in New York and elsewhere. Some accidents are caused by several types of negligence and safety problems, making the investigation complex. Proving negligence requires the help of an experienced attorney.
Dell & Dean, PLLC has the resources and experience necessary to work with experts to meticulously investigate the cause of the subway accident that injured you or a loved one. We will leave no stone unturned to determine who is at fault and begin pursuing a strategy to recover the most compensation possible.
Operator Errors Can Cause Subway Accidents
When subway cars collide with other subway cars due to operator errors, victims can become seriously injured. Inattention due to distraction, intoxication, or illness can cause an operator to make a mistake. Fatigue or poor judgment can also lead to accidents, sometimes with fatal results. In some cases, an operator will make an error because they did not receive adequate training and do not have enough experience to operate a subway car safely.
In January 2024, two New York City subway trains collided and derailed, causing at least 24 victims to become injured. A northbound train with over 500 passengers was pulling out of the 96th Street Station when it collided with another train, causing both of them to be derailed. The National Transportation and Safety Board has stated that communication issues between the train operators are the likely cause of the collision. In other words, the supervisor didn’t receive the train flaggers’ instructions to stop, resulting in the collision.
Mechanical Failures and Infrastructure Problems
New York’s subway system is one of the world’s most complex and busy underground transportation systems. It relies heavily on technology and Machinery, with hundreds of thousands of moving parts. Any mechanical, electrical, or technological failure can result in collisions. A failure with the braking system could cause two trains to collide with each other. Signal or communication issues could result in an operator not receiving the correct signal to stop, resulting in a collision.
Similarly, infrastructure malfunctions, such as poorly maintained tracks or power failures, can cause subway accidents. When subways aren’t adequately maintained and dangerous conditions aren’t fixed quickly, passengers risk becoming seriously injured. Every subway car should be maintained on a schedule. If the mechanics find any problems that could lead to safety issues, the car should be removed from service to prevent accidents.
Can I Sue the Transit Authority for My Injuries?
If you were injured in a subway accident caused by the negligence of the New York City Transit Authority, you can sue for your injuries. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) oversees the New York City subway system. Although it can be challenging to sue a government entity successfully, it is possible, especially with the assistance of an experienced attorney. When suing a government agency, you will need to contend with additional deadlines and legal rules. You will lose the opportunity to pursue a claim if you miss the short deadline.
Consequently, scheduling a free consultation with an attorney can help you meet the deadline. Suppose the subway accident that caused your injuries resulted from an operator’s negligence or the MTA’s negligence and failure to maintain their infrastructure and cars. In that case, you may be able to recover compensation. For example, if the accident occurred due to any of the following types of negligence on the part of MTA, you may have a valid claim for compensation:
- Defective or faulty parts
- Operator fatigue
- Excessive speed
- Improper maintenance
- Operator driving while intoxicated
- Lack of safety features
- Lack of security
- Computer system failure
- Broken stairs, platforms, or escalators
- Fire
- Other types of negligence or recklessness
Damages Available in a Subway Accident Lawsuit
Victims of subway accidents can suffer devastating, long-lasting injuries that require ongoing medical treatment. For example, victims could suffer bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, As well as head, neck, and back injuries. By pursuing a claim for compensation, you may be entitled to compensation for all of your past and future medical treatment expenses. You can also pursue damages for the income you’ve lost because of your injuries, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
In New York, victims of subway accidents can also pursue non-economic damages for the pain and suffering they’ve endured because of their injuries. Damages for emotional distress, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement or disability are also available. Dell & Dean, PLLC regularly works with medical and financial experts to carefully determine the full amount of Damages our clients will incur to pursue a favorable settlement amount.
Contact Our Subway Accident Attorney in New York
If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a subway accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC will carefully review the facts of your case and explain your options for pursuing compensation. We have experience successfully holding the MTA accountable when negligence causes victims to become injured. Our team knows how to navigate the complex process of filing a claim against a government entity. Don’t hesitate to contact Dell & Dean, PLLC to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our skilled attorneys.
Dell & Dean, PLLC, represents clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Garden City on Long Island, as well as the boroughs of New York: Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan, and the Bronx.
