Public transportation can provide an affordable and convenient form of transportation throughout the city. However, human error, maintenance deficiencies, and negligence can result in serious injuries to many commuters.
At Avanzino & Moreno, P.C., Attorneys at Law, we have been representing accident victims for over 30 years. We can handle your New York City Transit Authority and other public transportation accident cases. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact that these types of accidents can cause. Our team of Brooklyn personal injury lawyers wants to help hold negligent organizations accountable for the harm they cause and prevent similar accidents in the future. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Types of Cases We Handle
The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) are responsible for most of the transportation infrastructure throughout the city. Our firm can handle any mass transit case, including:
Train and Subway Accidents
Millions of passengers ride New York City’s trains and subways, which make up the busiest train system in the country. If these trains derail or are otherwise involved in an accident, passengers may experience catastrophic injuries or even fatal accidents. Common causes of NYC subway accidents include:
- Poor maintenance of the train or rails
- Driver inattention, distraction, or impairment
- Negligent operation
- Platform falls
- Brake problems and mechanical failures
- Derailing trains
Bus Accidents
The Transit Authority operates upward of 5,000 buses and is responsible for transporting more than 600 million people annually. Drivers have demanding schedules and many distractions to contend with. Common causes of city bus accidents include:
- Speeding
- Aggressive or reckless driving (Car Collisions)
- Sudden stops and starts
- Too wide of turns or corrections
- Door closings on passengers
- Poor bus maintenance
- Slippery floors
- Driver distraction
Station Claims
In addition to claims that occur while on the bus, train, subway, or other mass transit vehicle, accidents can also occur inside stations. The NYCTA and MTA can be held liable for accidents that occur within their premises due to negligence. Transit users may be able to bring claims based on:
- Faulty turnstiles
- Trips and falls
- Platform falls
- Poor maintenance
- Defective conditions
- Poor lighting
- Debris
- Broken steps
- Faulty elevators or escalators
These entities can also be held liable for injuries caused by negligent security. It’s important to contact a city and transit authority case attorney in Brooklyn today if you have experienced a public transportation accident.
Filing a Legal Claim After a Mass Transit Accident
Filing a legal claim after a mass transit accident in Brooklyn can be confusing, especially when dealing with complex municipal liability issues. Because NYCTA and MTA are municipalities, they have certain protections and have different regulations than private parties. For instance, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident to notify the municipality of the accident and your intent to file a claim. Additionally, the statute of limitations in Brooklyn is much shorter to file your lawsuit than if you were filing a lawsuit against a private person or business.
At Avanzino & Moreno, P.C., Attorneys at Law, we provide effective legal representation to mass transit accident victims. Our Brooklyn city and transit authority case lawyers can consult with experts, when necessary, including engineers, public transportation authorities, and accident scene reconstruction experts. We can also compile a strong case with valuable evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and maintenance records.
Contact Our Brooklyn City and Transit Authority Case Lawyers Today to Learn More About Your Legal Rights and Options
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a mass transit accident, contact the Brooklyn city and transit authority case attorneys at Avanzino & Moreno, P.C., Attorneys at Law. We offer a free consultation to discuss your rights, answer your questions, and explore your legal options. Call us today to get started.