Senior Partner
The subway is a popular mode of transportation in New York City. In fact, millions of people depend on this method of mass transit each day. Despite its convenience and popularity, subway use is not without its downsides. Specifically, with so many daily subway users, accidents are bound to happen. In fact, in addition to serious injuries, approximately 150 people die each year by getting struck by subway trains. If you are a user of the New York City transit system, it is important for you to know what to do if you get hurt. In this article, we discuss what to do after a subway accident in New York.
Causes of New York Subway Accidents
As noted above, subway accidents are common in New York City. Although some subway accidents can be avoided, others are unavoidable regardless of the amount of caution you may exercise. There are many causes of New York subway accidents, including:
- Defective or faulty parts
- Driver fatigue
- Improper maintenance
- Speeding
- Faulty infrastructure
- Distracted driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Animals or objects on the subway tracks
- Fire
- Lack of safety features
- Broken stairs, platforms, and escalators
- Computer system failure
- Lack of security
Steps to Take After a Subway Accident
If you are injured in a subway accident in New York, you should take the following steps:
Report Your Accident to an Official
First, you should report your accident to an official following a New York subway accident. When reporting your accident to a subway official, you should relay all details of the accident and obtain the official’s name and contact information.
Take Photos and Videos
Next, you should take photos and videos of the accident site and any injuries you suffered. When doing so, you should document the causes and conditions of the accident and injury, such as inadequate warning signs, broken equipment, blocked pathways, or slippery floors.
Identify Witnesses
After taking the above steps, you should try to identify witnesses to your injury. Witnesses may include bystanders and fellow passengers. In addition, even if a person didn’t see the accident occur, it may be useful to identify individuals who are familiar with the severity and effects of your injuries.
Obtain Medical Attention
One of the most important things you can do after a subway accident is obtain medical attention for your injuries. In fact, you should see a medical professional even if you don’t believe you’ve been injured. The reason for this is that some injuries, such as head injuries and internal injuries, don’t present immediate symptoms. So, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor or other healthcare professional after a subway accident to identify and obtain treatment for any injuries you may have suffered.
Contact Our Long Island & New York Personal Injury Lawyers
Finally, if you have suffered a New York subway accident, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, our knowledgeable legal professionals are here to help you obtain compensation for your New York subway accident injuries. When you come to us for assistance, we will work diligently on your behalf. Please contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.
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.
