Brooklyn Subway Accident Lawyers

Injured In An Accident?

 

Call Rosenberg & Rodriguez, PLLC
(718) 509-4960

Experienced Subway Accident Lawyers In Brooklyn, NY

If you were hurt or lost someone important to you due to a subway accident in Brooklyn, taking immediate legal action is crucial. The responsible party should be held accountable, and we can assist you with that. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, our experienced Brooklyn subway accident lawyers have dedicated their careers to fighting for the rights of injured in victims in New York City. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all legal strategy here because we understand that every subway accident is different. This personalized approach is what led to us winning sizable verdicts and settlements for our clients in the past, and we’re eager to do the same for you. If you have a personal injury claim, contact our office today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.

Primary Causes Of Subway Accidents In Brooklyn

If you are planning on using the subway to get around Brooklyn, be aware that although it’s typically an easy mode of transportation, accidents can and do happen. If you find yourself involved in a subway accident caused by mass transit authority negligence, our Brooklyn subway accident lawyers are here to help. We have successfully handled many types of NYC subway accidents before such as:

NYC Subway Slip And Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents happen all too often on MTA property, such as subways and train stations. These accidents can sometimes result in life-threatening injuries or even death. Injuries from slip and fall accidents may prevent you from working regularly, leading to lost wages, and can also rack up expensive medical bills. If the MTA or someone else was negligent in causing your accident, contact our Brooklyn subway accident attorney at Rosenberg & Rodriguez. You may be able to secure compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit.

Each year, countless people rely on MTA Trains and NYC subways to get around. Though some accidents in such busy places are inevitable, many crashes could have been avoided had the authorities provided a safe environment for passengers. All too often, people have been injured while getting on or off trains due to negligence on the part of the MTA or another authority figure.

Additionally, if sections of the subway system are defective or stations aren’t managed properly, it increases the likelihood of slip and fall accidents. The MTA/NYCTA is responsible for keeping up with maintenance and ensuring safety hazards don’t exist. Sadly, they often fall behind in these areas which puts riders at risk.

Common Types Of Subway Accidents In Brooklyn

The statistics speak for themselves—thousands of residents are injured or killed in subway and train accidents every year. However, most people are not aware of the many dangers and hazards that exist on subways and trains in Brooklyn. Here are just a few causes of these accidents that we commonly see:

Operator Errors

Subway operators that are inexperienced, distracted, or fatigued may contribute to accidents. Their negligence is not an excuse for someone else’s injuries and if they acted carelessly, the subway operators must be held accountable.

Excessive Speed

Just as with any other dangerous mode of transportation, subways must follow a strict set of rules and regulations to ensure the safety of their passengers. Exceeding the posted speed limit on subways can often result in serious injuries or even death to passengers or nearby pedestrians.

Poor Maintenance

If the MTA doesn’t maintain and repair subway systems in a timely manner, dangerous consequences like severe injuries can occur. Something as small as a defective subway part or a large issue such as gaps in doors or wet platforms can be extremely hazardous and can lead to life-altering injuries to an unsuspecting subway rider.

Inadequate Security

The MTA also needs to protect its passengers by ensuring crimes do not happen on subways and platforms. If you or a loved one becomes the victim of a crime, report the incident immediately and reach out to a subway accident lawyer in Brooklyn for more support. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates most MTA accidents; however, in some cases, the accident is reviewed by the MTA/NYCTA, so you cannot rely only on NTSB to get justice if you’re involved in a subway accident in New York City.

Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers

Time Limits For Filing A Subway Accident Claim In Brooklyn

You only have a specific amount of time to sue for damages after sustaining injuries from an accident in New York City. According to the NYC statute of limitations, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit which starts on the date of the subway accident. If more than three years pass, then you are no longer able to recover compensation. However, this time frame shrinks whenever a claim involves a government agency.

Notice Of Claim Requirements: Actions Against The NYCTA & MTA

The time/statute of limitations is shorter in cases where the government was negligent. The NYCTA and MTA are public authorities, meaning they get to use the special rules that apply to government entities. If carelessness on behalf of the NYCTA or MTA caused your accident, you MUST first file a notice of claim within 90 days​of the accident occurring. Doing so notifies the city that you intend to utilize your right to seek compensation, which contains information like:

  • Your name and your attorney’s name
  • Where the accident occurred
  • A basic description of how the accident happened
  • A description of your injuries and damages 

You then have one year and 90 days from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the transit authority. 

Shocking New York Subway Accident Statistics

The MTA transported 5,650,610 passengers per weekday on average in 2015 and surpassed 1 billion riders by the end of the year. Its sprawling public transportation system saves New York City from grinding to a halt. Most MTA subway trips are safe, but accidents leading to death or catastrophic injuries can occur when passengers fall onto tracks that have no safety barriers protecting them. To learn how frequently subway accidents happen and what types of injuries are most common, our Brooklyn subway accident attorneys looked at recent medical studies on New York City’s public transit system.

Over One-Third of MTA Subway Fatalities From Falling Onto Tracks Are Accidental

Out of the 211 subway-related fatalities that occurred in New York City between January 2003 and May 2007, many were unintentional. In order to determine how many accidents were acts of violence or suicides versus those that were accidental, researchers investigated each case. Their findings, which were published in the Journal of Forensic Science, revealed that at least 76 out of the 211 fatalities were unintentional. Out of the 20 accidents, 96 were possibly unintentional while homicides from deliberate shoving only accounted for four fatalities.

In the study, nearly 98% of deaths were caused by blunt trauma, which is defined as an impact from an external blow. The remaining five fatalities were caused by electrocution resulting from contact with the third rail. This rail carries 625 volts of electricity, which is enough to cause serious harm or death. For comparison, voltages as low as 50 AC (alternating current) or 120 DC (direct current) can be dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Do Subway Accidents Happen In New York?

Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed in accidents on New York subways and trains. This means that there is an accident almost every day. Though many people use public transportation in NY, the number of incidents is still too high. In 2018, there were nearly 900 reported cases of someone being on or too close to the tracks while on the platform. There are several reasons why this happens, but very few have to do with suicide attempts. Most accidents are not caused by the person who was struck.

Because they occur frequently enough, New Yorkers should exercise utmost caution when using the subway. However, the entities that run these subways/trains don’t always prioritize safety as they should, and this negligence can lead to personal injury claims. If you or someone you love is injured on a subway, you need protection and fair compensation.

Who Investigates Subway Accidents In Brooklyn?

If you’re ever involved in a subway accident in Brooklyn, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the case. However, they aren’t always thorough and reliable. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) also looks into these accidents throughout Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, etc., but again – they cannot be completely trusted. This is why it’s so important that you have an experienced Brooklyn subway accident lawyer on your side who knows how to get results within this complex system.

What Causes Subway Accidents In Brooklyn?

It’s the duty of the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA), which is operated by the MTA, to make sure conditions in the subway system are reasonably safe. This means ensuring that trains are reasonably safe and well-maintained and inspection schedules are being followed; also staff members have been properly hired and trained, and creating a culture of safety through supervision. The MTA can be held accountable if something goes wrong due to dangerous conditions or negligence related to any of these aspects: train cars and subways, train rails, platform stairs, etc. Some common causes of subway accidents in Brooklyn include:

  • Operator error
  • Mechanical failure
  • Insufficient training
  • Inadequate maintenance of subway cars, platforms, or rails
  • Inadequate security
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Slippery or damaged subway platforms
  • Damaged, crumbling, or slippery stairs
  • Overcrowding
  • Defective turnstiles
  • Sudden stops that cause falls while riding
  • Malfunctioning doors
  • Inadequate safety barriers or railings
  • Faulty equipment

Can I Sue the MTA in NYC?

If you’re hurt because of the MTA/NYCTA, you have the right to file a lawsuit. however, before taking any legal action, it’s necessary to determine if the accident was truly their fault. subway and train operators in New York must be notified of potential claims within 90 days of an accident occurring. If you don’t act now, the court won’t hear your case. Therefore, time is of the essence if you want to get compensated for your injuries. You need a dedicated subway accident lawyer in Brooklyn who can help you build a strong case.

If you are injured while using the train or subway system, it is important to file a report and request medical attention as soon as possible. If able, take photos of the accident scene and gather any other forms of evidence available, such as names and addresses of witnesses. This information might be helpful later on if scenes change or witnesses leave before authorities arrive.

Contact Our Brooklyn Subway Accident Lawyers Today

Just as drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, subway train operators are responsible for running trains carefully. They must not act recklessly or irresponsibly in any way that might put their passengers in danger. Unfortunately, there have been cases of distracted or intoxicated subway train operators causing accidents and injuries to innocent passengers. If you were hurt in a subway accident caused by another person’s carelessness, contact our Brooklyn subway accident lawyers today. You may be able to get compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained. Rosenberg & Rodriguez is an experienced personal injury law firm with decades of experience fighting for the injured people of New York. Contact our office today for a free consultation at (718) 509-4960 to learn more about how we can help.