The evolution of transportation in large cities was a huge advance to the population, and in New York was crucial. 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 as a transportation way 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 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 a fatality occurs in these circumstances, people wonder what Will happen to that person's family if that happens to them? What should I do?
The uncertainty of not knowing who would be liable for their injuries affects their lifestyle and well-being. An experienced subway accident lawyer can defend you on these occasions.
Many ways of suffering an accident that compromises people's health can happen, 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 due to various reasons. These incidents can cause severe injuries and leave victims in challenging situations.
Understanding the common causes of subway accidents can help you stay informed and take appropriate precautions if you are in such a situation.
Train Derailments
Train derailments occur when a subway train comes off its tracks. Issues like track defects, inadequate maintenance, or excessive speed can cause this. Derailments can lead to collisions with other trains, structures, or passengers waiting on the platforms. These accidents can result 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
Subway safety is of paramount importance in The Bronx, and specific regulations and laws are in place to ensure passengers' well-being and prevent accidents.
Understanding these safety regulations can help you stay informed about your rights and the responsibilities of transit authorities and operators.
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.
To prevent accidents caused by fatigue, operators have limitations on their work hours to ensure they are well-rested and alert while on duty.
Transit authorities are responsible for maintaining safe and well-lit platforms, ensuring proper signage, and providing secure barriers to prevent falls onto the tracks.
Passengers are also expected to follow safety rules, such as standing behind the yellow line and holding onto handrails. These measures collectively contribute to a safer environment for all.
In case of accidents or near-miss incidents, transit authorities must promptly report them 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. Being informed about these rights can help you make the right decisions and seek compensation if you've suffered injuries due to someone else's negligence.
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 for your injuries 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 options for seeking compensation. A personal injury claim against the responsible party is the first one, which could be the transit authority, operator, or another negligent party.
Alternatively, if the responsible party's insurance company offers a settlement, you can negotiate to ensure you receive a fair amount.
To strengthen your case and seek rightful compensation, it's essential to gather evidence. 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 subway accident 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 that has been done, the victim supported by a subway accident attorney may present the evidence that back up all the damages they received, and a fair compensation amount is determined.
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 played a role in about 20% of the accident, your compensation would be limited to 80% of your overall losses.
In cases where you file a lawsuit against government entities, their approach often involves placing blame on you for your injuries. 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.
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.
If you want fair compensation, your best option is to find an experienced and respected subway accident lawyer to back you up. The Ward Law Group P.L. is proud to serve the Hispanic community and provide high-quality service to those people injured by the negligence of others.
Get a free consultation of your case; call us now at 855-DOLOR-55, and one of our subway accident lawyers will answer any question.