New York is home to many forms of mass transit. And while these transportation options offer flexibility and convenience to residents, serious and sometimes fatal accidents are not uncommon. Mass transit injuries tend to be catastrophic and leave victims with long-lasting, even permanent injuries. Were you injured in a mass transit accident? Who can you trust to fight for you?
You have a dedicated legal ally in Miller, Montiel, & Strano, P.C. We understand the problems you’re facing. Our motor vehicle accident attorneys will give your case the personalized attention it deserves so you can stay focused on healing.
Types Of Mass Transit Accidents In New York
Mass transit is essentially the movement of large numbers of people in an urban environment, using a variety of different modes of public transportation. Some forms of mass transit are privately owned. Others, however, are managed by the governmental municipalities, and therefore subject to different rules and deadlines.
We handle the following types of mass transit accidents, among others:
- Bus accidents: School buses, charter buses, and public buses all fall into this category. The responsible party could be a private company, such as Greyhound. In other cases, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) may be liable.
- Rail accidents: Included herein are wrecks involving subway and commuter trains operated by the MTA and this includes the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) and others. Passengers, motorists, and pedestrians can get hurt in a rail accident. Injured rail workers may be able to seek compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
- Airplane accidents: These accidents are often fatal, and eligible surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. But not all victims of airplane crashes die from their injuries. Negligent airline personnel, including flight attendants and security officials, may be held responsible.
- Taxi accidents: Although taxi cabs are privately owned, they are heavily regulated by governmental entities. A negligent driver and/or the taxi company could be to blame for the accident, depending on the circumstances.
- Ferry accidents: Ferries can collide with other watercraft or crash into fixed objects like loading docks. Pedestrians can be injured or even drown if the ferry sinks.
Why Do Mass Transit Accidents Happen?
Piecing together the sequence of events that led to the mass transit accident is a critical step in seeking compensation. Your attorney will investigate how and why the crash happened so you can build a case. Common reasons for these accidents include:
- Driver or operator error: The person in charge of driving or operating the bus, train, or other means of transportation could be tired, distracted, or inexperienced. There are also cases of negligence due to drug or alcohol intoxication.
- Speeding: All modes of transportation must observe safe speeds, even aircraft, and trains. Excessive speed can lead to a derailment, crash, or other accidents that could cost lives.
- Mechanical problems: Defective parts can make mass transit deadly for passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles. The parts manufacturer could be held liable, among other parties.
- Poor maintenance: Routine and proper maintenance is essential for all forms of mass transit. Compliance inspections are regularly performed to ensure that the requirements of state and federal regulations are met. But with so many trains, buses, and other vehicles, accidents can happen.
- Third parties: Not all accidents are the fault of the driver, operator, company, or government agency that oversees mass transit. Sometimes, third parties such as car and truck drivers are to blame. Even passengers can be held liable for some crashes. Your attorney will work to identify all potentially at-fault parties.
Injuries You May Experience
Passengers, pedestrians, motorists, and other victims of mass transit accidents should seek medical attention right away. Not doing so could aggravate your injuries and make it more difficult to recover compensation for them. Be on the lookout for these injuries:
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Permanent disability
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Burns
- Broken bones
Our attorneys can help you seek damages for these and other injuries. If you have a loved one who died in a mass transit accident, we can assist with a wrongful death claim as well.
Special Considerations For Mass Transit Accidents
Mass transit crashes cause many of the same types of injuries as accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles. But the similarities largely end there. If you’ve been hurt, you need seasoned legal counsel that is familiar with the unique features of these accidents. For example:
- Municipal parties: Many forms of mass transit are owned and operated by governmental agencies, such as the MTA and NYCTA. Suing the government after an accident is unlike suing a private party. For instance, victims must usually file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident, and sometimes even sooner. We know the rules involved in making a mass transit claim against the government and are ready to start your lawsuit now.
- Gathering evidence: After a mass transit accident, government inspectors (e.g. the National Transportation Safety Board) will quickly show up and collect the evidence they need for their investigations. These officials do not work for you and can make it exceedingly difficult to gather the evidence needed for your lawsuit. Our firm understands how to get the necessary evidence so we can prosecute your case.
- Settlement: Negotiating a settlement with governmental agencies is often more tedious than doing so with a private party. Governments and their municipalities routinely fail to offer enough compensation to victims and will look hard for any weaknesses in your case. They also have the resources to fight lawsuits and go to trial. You need a tenacious legal advocate who understands how to negotiate with these entities and has the resources, experience, and know-how to take your case to court and try it.
Contact Our New York Mass Transit Accident Attorney
Suffering a personal injury is frightening. The prospect of negotiating with an insurance company or governmental entity can seem insurmountable. No one should have to worry that they could be hurt or killed using mass transit. Contact us to find out more about how we can serve you.
Miller, Montiel, & Strano, P.C. help clients with their mass transit accident claims throughout New York including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, and Brooklyn.
