Transportation in big cities improved greatly, benefiting the population. In New York, it was especially important. Almost 120 years have passed since the NYC Subway started operations.
Seventy subway stations are located in the Bronx borough, and thousands of people use it to get to work every day.
Without this advancement in transportation, New York City would probably have a lower level of development.
Over the years, the subway system's updates, expansions, and changes that The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has made have brought benefits. However, there is a latent potential risk of devastating subway accidents that may lead to multiple injured people and fatalities.
We have seen subway crashes before; unfortunately, there have been fatalities. When someone dies in these situations, people worry about the family left behind. If it happens to us, what should we do?
The uncertainty of not knowing who would be liable for their injuries affects their lifestyle and well-being. An experienced NYC subway accident lawyer can defend you on these occasions.
There are many ways to suffer an accident that compromises people's health, and depending on the nature and severity of their injuries, the consequences may arise.
Common Causes of Subway Accidents
Subway accidents in The Bronx can happen for various reasons. These incidents can cause severe injuries and leave victims in challenging situations.
Knowing why subway accidents happen can help you be prepared and take the necessary steps if you find yourself in one.
Train Derailments
Train derailments occur when a subway train comes off its tracks. Issues like track defects, inadequate maintenance, or excessive speed can cause derailments. These accidents can lead to collisions with other trains, structures, or passengers waiting on the platforms, resulting in severe injuries and significant damage.
Slip and Falls on Platforms
Slip and fall accidents often occur on subway platforms due to wet or slippery surfaces, debris, poor lighting, or uneven flooring.
These accidents can cause broken bones, sprains, or head injuries. It's essential to be cautious when navigating platforms, especially during inclement weather.
Mechanical Failures
Subway systems rely on complex machinery and equipment to operate smoothly. Mechanical failures, such as malfunctioning brakes or doors, can lead to accidents.
These failures might occur due to inadequate maintenance, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear. Passengers can be seriously injured if caught in closed doors or experience sudden jolts.
Operator Errors
Human error is another common cause of subway accidents. Operators can make mistakes in controlling the train's speed, responding to signals, or communicating with control centers.
Distractions, fatigue, or lack of proper training can contribute to these errors. Operator mistakes can lead to collisions, derailments, and other dangerous situations.
Subway Safety Regulations in The Bronx
Safety on the subway in The Bronx is very important. Rules and laws are in place to keep passengers safe and prevent accidents.
Knowing safety rules helps you know your rights and what transit authorities and operators should do.
Transit authorities in The Bronx (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) must regularly inspect and maintain subway infrastructure, including tracks, signals, and train cars.
These inspections help identify potential hazards and address them promptly. Adequate maintenance can prevent mechanical failures and other issues that might lead to accidents.
Transit operators must have emergency response plans to handle various situations, such as fires, derailments, or medical emergencies.
These plans include evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and coordination with first responders. Being prepared for emergencies can minimize the impact of accidents and ensure the safety of passengers.
Subway operators are required to undergo proper training to operate trains safely. They must be knowledgeable about signals, speed limits, and emergency procedures.
Operators' work hours are restricted to avoid tiredness-related accidents and to ensure operators are well-rested and attentive during their shifts.
Transit authorities keep platforms safe by providing good lighting, clear signs, and barriers to prevent people from falling onto the tracks.
Passengers are also expected to follow safety rules, such as standing behind the yellow line and holding onto handrails. Collectively, these measures contribute to a safer environment for all.
Transit authorities must promptly report accidents or near-miss incidents to regulatory agencies and conduct thorough investigations.
These reports help identify the root causes of accidents and implement necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Understanding Passengers' Rights in Subway Accidents
If you've been injured in a subway accident in The Bronx, you must be aware of your rights as a passenger. Knowing your rights can help you make good choices and get compensation if someone else's carelessness hurts you.
As a subway passenger, you have the right to a safe and secure journey. Transit authorities and operators are legally responsible for maintaining a safe environment, including well-maintained platforms, functioning equipment, and adequately trained staff.
You can seek compensation if you've been injured in a subway accident caused by negligence or failure to uphold safety regulations. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Injured people from subway accidents have the option of seeking compensation. First, you must file a personal injury claim against the party responsible for the accident. This could be the transit authority, operator, or any other negligent party involved.
Alternatively, if the responsible party's insurance company offers a settlement, you can negotiate to ensure you receive a fair amount.
Gathering evidence is essential to strengthening your case and seeking rightful compensation. This can include photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
Additionally, keep records of medical treatment, expenses, and any communication with transit authorities or insurance companies.
Remember that there's a time limit for filing a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations.
In New York, this limit is usually three years from the accident date. However, since there might be a public entity, this time frame usually tends to be less than that. It's crucial to act promptly to ensure you don't miss your opportunity to seek compensation.
Navigating the legal process after a subway accident can be complex, and having a personal injury lawyer by your side can be invaluable.
An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through legal proceedings.
Common Injuries in Subway Accidents
The potential injuries that can be found in a subway accident case can vary depending on the nature of it. We have learned that it could go from a slip-and-fall accident that could cause a minor concussion to a devastating accident on the rails that results in a fatality.
Below there is a list of injuries commonly found in subway accidents:
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Concussions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Smoke inhalation and respiratory issues
- Crush injuries
- Sprain and strain
- Whiplash
- Psychological trauma
Compensation for Subway Accident Victims
After a subway accident, there is always an investigation. In this investigation, the authorities can find the liable parties involved, what exactly caused the accident, and how much participation each party had in the event.
Once the necessary steps are completed, the victim can seek assistance from a lawyer specializing in subway accidents. With the lawyer's help, the victim can gather evidence of their injuries and receive the appropriate compensation.
The injured party can claim economic and noneconomic damages. Your subway accident lawyer will be in charge of making sure you receive what you deserve.
Your compensation should cover medical expenses, emergency visits, prescription medication, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, etc.
What is Shared Fault in The Bronx?
Under pure comparative negligence, if your actions have contributed to the injuries sustained in an accident, you might share responsibility with the other party involved. This can reduce your compensation from the full extent of your total losses.
For instance, if a judge examines the evidence and determines that your actions contributed to about 20% of the accident, your compensation would be limited to 80% of your overall losses.
When you sue government institutions, they often try to blame you for your injuries instead of taking responsibility. This tactic aims to minimize their share of liability. A subway accident attorney will vigorously counter this strategy to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Their goal is to safeguard your interests and maximize your recovery.
Contact a Bronx Subway accident attorney
You must seek legal help when you or a family member gets injured due to a subway accident in the Bronx. There are many things to check; many parties involved may need to pay for their participation or negligence.
For fair payment, find a skilled and respected lawyer specializing in subway accidents to support you. The Ward Law Group is proud to serve the Hispanic community and provide high-quality service to those people injured by the negligence of others.
Call 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation. Our subway accident lawyers are available to answer any questions you have about your case.