Personal Injury Law Articles
Common Causes Of Subway Accidents

Millions of people in NYC every day depend on subways and mass transportation as an economical and effective form of transportation. These people are depending on the transit authority to get them to where they are going SAFELY. Unfortunately this doesn’t always happen. Subway accidents and derailments cause serious injuries and sometimes even death. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, seek a personal injury lawyer immediately.

The main reasons for train derailment and accidents are:

1. Human error

2. Defective parts that cause brake failures

3. Careless contractors who leave tools on the tracks

With the constant heavy increase in population in the United States, the mass transit systems are put under a great deal more stress because they are being used more than ever before. Because of the great increase in subway system users, there has in turn been a clear increase in accidents as well. The main majority of subway accidents in New York City are the result of preventable human error and defective equipment.

Some of the most common causes of subway accidents in New York City:

• Slips and falls at the station
• Driver error
• Failure of the Subway train
• Subway track and infrastructure problems
• Collisions with other trains
• Derailment
• Chemical spills

Regardless of if you ride the train daily or if it’s your very first time, there are a number of hazards you should also be aware of:

• Vandalism
• Robbery
• Assault
• Rape
• Turn style injury
• Being electrified by the tracks
• Subway door injury

In the unfortunate event that you or someone you know is injured in a subway related accident, there are a few things you need to do:

1. In New York the Transit Authority is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the subway system. Making them legally responsible for any injuries subway riders may suffer. This means it’s important for you to note your surroundings and if your injury has been caused by negligence. For example, recently there have been many injuries because of the large gap between the train and the platform at New York City and Long Island train stations. If this was the cause of your injury, note if the gap was clearly marked. Were there signs warning you to watch your step? Were they in clear view? Was the area lit well enough? This is a prime example of why it’s a good idea to carry a camera to photograph these surroundings. Your lawyer will need strong evidence to prove your case.

2. Be sure to keep a clear, organized, and ongoing record of any medical treatments you’ve endured, insurance papers, records of lost wages and any and all financial burdens this accident has caused you.

Some of the things you can be compensated for in a personal injury claim include:

1. Pain and suffering

2. Medical expenses for the past and for the future

3. Loss of past and future income

4. Damage to any personal property (as in a laptop broken in the accident)

5. Assistance for the future

6. Compensation for psychological damage

The personal injury law firm of Goidel & Siegel has the best subway accident attorneys located in NYC.
We are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients and helping them obtain the highest possible financial compensation for sustaining injuries. Contact us today.