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According to the MTA’s 2023 Annual Report, there were 2.82 subway-related injuries and 1.37 bus-related injuries per million passenger trips. Additionally, MTA buses experienced 3.44 collisions, resulting in injuries per million miles traveled.
Although these figures might seem low, considering the substantial volume of ridership—approximately 1.73 billion subway trips in 2017—the total number of subway passenger injuries amounted to about 4,900.
If you’ve been injured in an MTA bus, subway, train, or any other transit-related accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your financial losses. This applies whether you were a passenger, an employee, or even a bystander affected by an MTA vehicle.
Filing an injury claim or lawsuit is often the sole method of securing adequate compensation for the full costs of your injuries. According to the MTA’s report, there were 9,060 active personal injury claims against them in 2023, determining the commonality of this recourse.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has a strong presence of representing victims of MTA accidents. We enthusiastically defend our client’s rights to full compensation for their injuries, using all available legal channels and obtaining proof to support each claim.
For more information about your options for filing a personal injury claim, consider speaking with one of our MTA accident attorneys during a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Our Long Island Train and Subway Accident Attorney Help With Your Case?
Our legal practice focuses on defending victims of railway and subway mishaps. Our lawyers have the in-depth knowledge and expertise necessary to successfully negotiate the intricate rules regulating claims involving mass transit accidents.
Our dedication lies in protecting your rights and making sure you get paid what you deserve.
Our exclusive focus is helping victims of personal injury get the compensation they are entitled to. By utilizing our vast network of resources and the dedicated support teams in each legal area, we work diligently to get each client the most compensation possible.
Our lawyers provide free initial consultations and detailed case evaluations, offering our services on a contingency basis for train and subway accident cases. This means you will not owe us any attorney’s fees until we successfully help you secure financial compensation for your injuries, whether they involve a brain injury or a bone fracture.
Damages Recoverable With Our Long Island Subway Accident Law Firm
Our Long Island personal injury law firm has dedicated itself to supporting subway accident victims in their quest for rightful compensation. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to ensure you receive every dollar owed for your losses.
Here are the types of damages we may help you recover:
- Medical expenses, both present and anticipated
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Severe emotional distress
- Extensive scarring or disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
Our team collaborates closely with you to comprehend every detail of your case and assess the potential compensation you might be entitled to.
Common Reasons for Subway Accidents
Subway systems are essential for daily commutes in large cities like Long Island, where millions depend on them for transportation to work, school, and other activities. Despite their efficiency, accidents can occur due to various factors, sometimes resulting in the need for personal injury claims.
Here are some common causes of subway accidents:
- Conductor Error: Mistakes by the train operator can lead to accidents.
- Equipment Malfunction: Faulty subway equipment or train malfunctions can cause incidents.
- Debris on Platforms: Objects left on platforms can create tripping hazards.
- Wet Areas on Platforms: Slippery surfaces from spills or weather conditions can cause falls.
- Maintenance Issues: Poor maintenance of platforms and stations can lead to accidents.
If you are seriously injured in a subway accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages:
- Medical Expenses: Serious injuries might include neck, spinal cord, head, or brain injuries, leading to substantial medical costs.
- Loss of Income: If injuries prevent you from working, you may claim compensation for lost wages and benefits.
- Pain and Suffering: Severe injuries can cause significant physical pain and emotional trauma, entitling you to compensation for these sufferings.
- Wrongful Death: In fatal cases, certain family members can file for wrongful death claims, seeking damages for their loss.
Legal proceedings in subway accidents, especially against entities like the New York City Transit Authority, involve specific challenges, such as shorter filing deadlines. It is important to consult with an experienced subway accident attorney in Long Island who understands these unique legal requirements.
Top Long Island Subway Safety Tips
To reduce the risk of injury on Long Island trains, consider these safety precautions:
- Always exercise caution at train crossings.
- Avoid walking or riding a bicycle near train tracks.
- Walking on train tracks is not only dangerous but also illegal in New York State unless you’re a railroad employee or crossing the tracks at a designated pedestrian crossing.
- Keep a safe distance from the tracks while waiting at train platforms.
- Avoid rushing to board or exit trains as the doors are closing.
- Try to remain seated while the train is in motion.
Despite taking these precautions, accidents can still occur due to others’ negligence. If you find yourself injured in a train-related incident on Long Island, our personal injury attorneys are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Train and Subway Accidents
Train and subway accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, each with unique consequences for the victims involved.
Common causes of these accidents in Long Island may include:
- Deteriorated tracks and infrastructure
- Faulty safety devices
- Issues with elevated tracks
- Signal malfunctions
- Operating a train while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Operating a train while fatigued or distracted
- Excessive speed
- Inadequate operator training
- Neglect in maintaining train equipment
- Trespassers on the tracks
- Mechanical breakdowns
Every situation is different, and we at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm are aware of this. Our lawyers are dedicated to providing individualized and successful representation based on the particulars of your case.
What Should You Do After a Long Island Subway Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a subway accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can significantly impact the outcome of any potential claim. Here are some important actions to consider if you find yourself in this situation:
- First and foremost, ensure you are out of harm’s way and check yourself for injuries. Your health is the top priority.
- Once safe, notify a subway employee about the incident. Explain what happened and how it occurred to prevent further accidents. Record the name of the employee you speak with for future reference.
- Use your phone or a camera to take detailed photos of the accident site, including any risks like debris or insufficient lighting. Capture images from multiple angles to provide a comprehensive view of the conditions.
- Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident. Their accounts could be crucial if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
- Visit a doctor regardless of how minor your injuries may seem. Obtain all medical records and follow the prescribed treatment plan. This documentation is vital for substantiating your injuries.
- Write down a detailed account of the accident and note your physical and emotional condition in the days following the accident.
- If your injuries are severe, quickly contact an attorney specializing in subway accidents. Remember, claims against public transit authorities often have tight deadlines — in many cases, you have only 90 days to file a notice of claim.
The New York City Transit Authority has to ensure passenger safety on its subways. If your injury resulted from negligence on their part, you might be entitled to compensation for your suffering and any financial losses.
These steps can help protect your rights and improve your chances of a favorable resolution.
Injuries You May Sustain Following a Subway Accident
Injuries from a subway accident can be severe and have long-lasting effects on victims and their families. Many survivors face lengthy hospitalizations and require extensive physical and emotional rehabilitation to aid their recovery.
Common injuries resulting from train accidents include:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Damage to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Injuries to joints and ligaments
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs or amputations
- Injuries to the back and neck
- Fatalities
After a subway accident, it’s essential to receive professional medical attention immediately. Some injuries might appear minor at first but can deteriorate over time if not properly addressed.
Additionally, injuries such as brain trauma and other internal damage may not be immediately apparent but require urgent care.
What Is the Time Limit for Subway Accident Injury Claims in a Long Island?
In the context of personal injury claims in Long Island, the general statute of limitations extends to three years following the incident that caused the injuries. However, when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is deemed liable for the injuries sustained, the timeframe to initiate legal action is considerably shorter.
Individuals must submit a Notice of Claim to the MTA within 90 days from the accident date. Failing to adhere to this deadline may forfeit the individual’s right to opt for compensation necessary for recovery.
Individuals involved in subway accidents should obtain legal advice as soon as possible. Engaging the services of an expert Long Island personal injury attorney promptly after the incident can be crucial.
Law firms, such as the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, possess the expertise to handle such situations diligently. They ensure that legal procedures, such as submitting a Notice of Claim within the specified term, are followed appropriately to protect the injured party’s claim to financial restitution.
Proving Negligence After a Long Island Subway Accident
To establish a case of negligence following an accident involving the Long Island subway, it is essential to demonstrate the following points:
- Duty of Care: The LIRR and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), along with their employees, owe a duty of care to take reasonable measures to ensure passenger safety. This includes responsibilities such as maintaining safe operating speeds for trains, ensuring that stations and train cars are free from hazards, and similar precautions.
- Breach of Duty: If the LIRR or MTA fails to implement reasonable safety measures, they are considered to have breached their duty of care. For example, if station steps in Long Island are left uncleared of snow and a passenger slips and gets injured, this would constitute a breach of duty.
- Causation: A breach of duty alone does not automatically imply negligence. It must be proven that the injury occurred as a direct result of the breach. For instance, if an injury occurs because a person was standing on the tracks and was hit by a train, the LIRR may not be held liable since the individual’s actions directly led to the injury.
- Compensable Damages: Demonstrating actual, quantifiable damages is typically straightforward. Evidence of medical bills, lost wages, and other adverse effects can substantiate claims of compensable damages.
It’s important to speak with a qualified Long Island subway attorney right away if you think your injuries fit any of these negligence requirements. It is necessary to bring claims against the subway within ninety days of the injury.
Hire Our Long Island Subway Accident Lawyer Before You Take Any Step!
Before discussing your case with insurers or lawyers representing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), consider consulting with our experienced personal injury lawyers. Insurance companies and subway attorneys often aim to minimize compensation payouts, potentially offering low initial settlements or questioning the severity of your injuries.
Sometimes, they might even challenge their liability altogether, compelling you to demonstrate their negligence.
Speak with our Long Island personal injury lawyers, focusing on subway-related injuries, to defend your rights. Our experience encompasses a variety of situations, including bus, train, and subway mishaps, so you can be sure your attorney will be prepared to fight for the highest amount of money possible on your behalf.
Schedule a no-obligation, free consultation with a Long Island lawyer to better understand your legal options following an MTA accident. This initial discussion can help you determine the best course of action.
To book your free case review, call (516) 689-1132 or fill out our online contact form today.