Experienced Subway Accident Attorneys in New York
According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the New York City subway systems have over 5 million riders on an average weekday. With such a high number of commuters, it’s not surprising that there are an average of 700 subway-related accidents each year, as reported by the MTA. If you or a loved one has been involved in a subway accident or injured at a subway station, the MTA or the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) could be held liable. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Leav & Steinberg LLP can help determine liability and work to help you receive compensation.
What Can Cause a Subway Accident?
Subway-related accidents can involve the subway train, premise liability, or transit authority negligence. Many injuries related to subway accidents occur due to operator negligence, sudden stops, subway car crashes, and poor maintenance. While subway accidents involving derailment are highly publicized, subway-related accidents can be the result of many factors. In fact, injuries that occur due to the hazardous conditions of subway stations can be the result of negligence. These injuries may include turnstile injuries; injuries due to broken stairs, platforms, or escalators; poor lighting and slippery floors; or assault from a lack of security. The most common injuries from subway accidents are head wounds, concussions, nerve damage, broken bones, lost limbs, and burns.
Who Is Liable in a Subway Accident?
The New York City Transit Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority are responsible for ensuring that the subway tracks, cars, and stations are safe and secure for every commuter and worker. If you’ve been injured in a subway-related accident, you need the help of an attorney to determine if the at-fault party is the operator, the transit authorities, or a related party. No matter the situation, you need an experienced attorney to gather information, interview witnesses, and examine the evidence while the evidence is still there. The subway accident attorneys at Leav & Steinberg will gather evidence to help determine negligence and liability to gather evidence for your case.
Filing a Subway Accident Claim
If you or a loved one have a transit claim, it’s crucial that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for claims against any transit authority or subway system has strict deadlines and specific conditions, otherwise the claim will be denied. A notice of claim must be filed within 90 days (approximately 3 months) of the incident, and, oftentimes, a 50-h hearing must be held prior to the commencement of a lawsuit. In addition, witnesses and evidence tend to become harder to obtain over time, so securing testimony and evidence as early as possible helps with your case.
If your injuries result in large medical bills, missed time from work, or emotional and physical suffering, you need to take a few steps to prepare your case. Keep records of all related medical documents, police reports, and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. If possible, take pictures of the area in which the accident occurred, especially of any evidence that the subway system’s management personnel were negligent in regards to required public safety concerns.
Why Choose Leav & Steinberg for Your Case?
Whenever anyone is injured at a subway station, those at fault should be held accountable. The attorneys at Leav & Steinberg are prepared to assess the facts of your case and seek the highest amount of compensation possible for your injuries. We have decades of experience, with proven results for subway injury cases. If you or a loved one have been involved in a subway accident, contact the dedicated attorneys at Leav & Steinberg as soon as possible to request a free consultation.
