The history of subway train transportation is wrought with examples of accidents that have caused death and serious injuries. Nine people died in a Washington, D.C. metro train in 2009 during a rush-hour crash.
Accidents such as Morningside Heights crash of the No. 1 train or the Metro-North crash in Bridgeport, Connecticut, both in May 2013, illustrate how dangerous commuting can be. In both cases, passengers were innocent victims, as defective tracks derailed cars leading to serious passenger injuries.
Because subway and train accidents anywhere can be catastrophic and because transit systems involve many moving parts, deadly momentum and millions of passengers, the authorities in charge have to plan defensively against accidents. First, they endeavor to ensure safety as best they can. But because accidents occur, either due to employee negligence or poor maintenance practices, they also maintain a vigorous legal defense team.
To battle the resources of the transportation authorities, survivors of subway and train accidents should work with a transportation accident attorney to recover for injuries or wrongful death. It is important to note a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the date of the accident for injury cases or in cases of wrongful death within 90 days from the appointment of the administrator or executor.
If you or a family member were injured or a loved one killed in a subway, commuter rail or Amtrak derailment or other type of subway or train accident, contact a law firm that has experience with these types of cases.