New York City Train and Subway Accident Lawyer
The New York City subway is the largest system of its kind, with 472 operable stations located throughout the boroughs. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) governs the city’s subway system and oversees employee and passenger safety. If something goes wrong, a subway accident can occur. If you or your loved one has suffered serious injuries in an NYC subway accident, contact Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo, P.C., to discuss your eligibility for compensation.
Why Choose Us?
- Our firm has years of experience handling NYC personal injury accident claims, including those involving subways.
- Our lawyers have secured more than $2 billion in financial damages for clients in the last 10 years.
- Our commitment to clients and the community shows in everything we do. We are even the general counsel for the Uniformed Firefighters Association of New York.
Why You Need a Lawyer
A New York City subway accident will typically involve the city as a defendant, since the city owns the MTA. It is the city’s duty to keep subways reasonably safe for travelers and commuters. Going up against the city’s insurance company and attorneys is not easy as a personal injury victim. Hiring an attorney can put you on more even terms with the defendant, giving you an edge during settlement negotiations. A lawyer can also give you peace of mind to focus on your injuries while he or she handles your claim.
Common Causes of Subway Accidents
Subway accidents happen most often when one or more parties fail in their duty to keep passengers safe. When the MTA fails to keep up with proper subway system maintenance, or when a negligent operator falls asleep at the helm, a serious crash can occur. Identifying the proximate cause of your injuries can help you determine the defendant for your claim. Subway accidents can happen for many reasons:
- Operator negligence
- Lack of subway maintenance
- Low-quality repairs
- Trip and fall hazards on the subway
- Criminal activity/negligent security
- Subway line problems
- Subway derailment
- Defective part malfunction
An attorney can investigate your recent accident and help you discover its most probable cause. If someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to your injuries, you may have grounds for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against that person or entity. A lawyer can help with naming the defendant, filing your claim, and proving negligence.
Is Someone Liable for Your Damages?
The MTA is legally responsible for most New York City mass transit accidents. The MTA is not only responsible for its own actions and negligence, but it is vicariously liable for the actions of on-duty employees. If your subway accident occurred because of the city or one of its employee’s negligence, you can file a claim with the MTA.
In New York, you will seek damage recovery from your own insurance company, regardless of fault – unless your injuries meet the threshold as “serious,” in which case you can file outside the no-fault insurance system. You have just 90 days after your accident to file an official notice with the correct government agency. If your claim is not with the city, you have three years to bring a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Our Firm Today
Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo, P.C., knows how to help victims of serious subway accidents in NYC. We put our experience and resources to work on behalf of each client who comes to us for assistance. Whether you believe a negligent station manager or a defective subway part caused your injuries, contact us to evaluate your case and help you take the next step. We may be able to help you obtain financial recovery for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call to request your free, no-obligation consultation.