New York counts on North America's largest transportation network, which makes it easier for nearly 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Yonkers, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut.
They are real experts when it comes to mass transportation, and they are in charge of managing the following transportation forms:
- New York City subways
- New York City buses
- Long Island Railroad
- Metro-North Railroad
- Two MTA tunnels:
- Brooklyn-Battery Hugh L. Carey Tunnel
- Queens Midtown Tunnel
- Seven MTA bridges:
- Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
- Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge
- Henry Hudson Bridge
- Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge on Rockaway Peninsula
- Robert F. Kennedy Triborough Bridge
- Throgs Neck Bridge
- Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
More than 70,000 employees work every day to maintain a transit system that is safe, reliable, and accessible for all. They're committed to it and always investing in systems improvements.
It is a massive transportation system that requires a lot of attention. However, accidents can happen. Accidents on mass public transportation are rare, but if you get involved, you may need to know how to protect your rights.
Therefore, The Ward Law Group guides what to do when you or a family member gets injured in an MTA accident.
MTA Bus Accident Yonkers
Around 4,400 public buses help people get to many places in the city. This efficient way of transportation, along with the other systems, is a great benefit; many New Yorkers don't feel the need to own a car.
MTA bus accidents in Yonkers can happen, and we have seen it, causing serious injuries to passengers, bus drivers, and pedestrians who might find themselves at the wrong place and at the wrong time.
Common causes of Yonkers MTA bus accidents are:
Crashes with other vehicles on the road that cause serious injuries can be of different types, such as rear-end, front-end collisions, and T-bone accidents, among others.
Hiring a bus driver is a delicate task because they must ensure that bus drivers receive proper instruction and are experienced in driving a large vehicle that carries people.
We have seen a lot of slip-and-fall accidents when people want to board the bus or try to disembark from it. These accidents can have long-term consequences, and the transportation authority could have avoided them.
Subway and Train Accidents in Yonkers, NY
Millions of people use the subway and train stations in New York daily to reach their destination. The busiest train station in New York City is Pennsylvania Station, commonly referred to as Penn Station.
It is located in Midtown Manhattan and is a major transportation hub for Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and New Jersey Transit (NJT) commuter trains.
Penn Station is also connected to the New York City Subway system through the IND Eighth Avenue Line (A, C, E) and the IRT Seventh Avenue Line (1, 2, 3) subway lines.
In Yonkers, two train stations provide transportation services to residents. These stations are Yonkers Station (Metro-North) and Glenwood Station (Metro-North).
In a train station, we can find many types of accidents that can severely injure people who use the transportation service. Some common types of accidents that can occur in train stations include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Platform accidents
- Escalator and Elevator Accidents
- Collisions or Near Misses
- Mechanical Failures
- Operator errors
- Derailments
- Baggage Handling Accidents
- Crowd-Related Incidents
- Crimes and Assaults
- Fire or Smoke Incidents
- Suicide or Self-Harm Incident
Their personnel and police officers from NYPD work together to be vigilant in any situation that can happen.
Understanding Liability in MTA Accidents
Finding the liable person in an accident can be quite complicated in any accident, and when it comes to massive transportation, it can be a real challenge. Therefore, a special agency investigates MTA accidents in New York.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) oversees investigations on most MTA accidents. Other government agencies can also run their investigations, and of course, the MTA itself will run its own.
When this happens, it can be a lot to cover; therefore, if you were a victim or a family member was killed in an MTA accident, you should ask for the expertise of an MTA attorney to be on your side.
Importance of Hiring an MTA Accident Lawyer
When it comes to navigating the aftermath of an MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) accident in Yonkers, seeking the expertise of a dedicated MTA accident attorney is paramount.
These legal professionals specialize in the complexities surrounding public transportation accidents, ensuring victims receive the advocacy they deserve. Here, we delve into why engaging an MTA accident lawyer is paramount.
In-depth understanding of MTA Regulations and Procedures
An MTA accident lawyer knows the regulations and procedures specific to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This expertise is invaluable when it comes to building a solid case for victims.
Understanding the nuances of MTA operations allows these lawyers to pinpoint liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Protection of Victims' Rights
Victims of MTA accidents may face a daunting legal process. From dealing with insurance companies to navigating bureaucratic hurdles, it's easy for individuals to feel overwhelmed.
A public transportation accident lawyer acts as a steadfast advocate, safeguarding victims' rights throughout every stage of the legal journey. This includes ensuring that victims are not coerced into accepting inadequate settlements.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection
Building a compelling case hinges on a thorough investigation and the collection of pertinent evidence. MTA accident lawyers possess the resources and expertise to conduct comprehensive investigations, which may involve obtaining security footage, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with experts to reconstruct the accident scene.
This meticulous approach is instrumental in establishing liability and demonstrating the extent of damages suffered.
Maximization of Compensation
Securing fair and just compensation is a primary goal for victims of MTA accidents. An experienced MTA accident attorney can evaluate damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. They leverage this understanding to negotiate with insurers and pursue the maximum compensation for victims.
Experience in Negotiation and Litigation
Whether through negotiation or litigation, a mass transit accident attorney is well-versed in advocating for their client's best interests. They have the negotiation skills to engage with insurance companies and opposing parties effectively. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they are prepared to take the case to court, ensuring that victims have the strongest representation.
Statute of Limitations for MTA Accident Claims in Yonkers
This legal principle sets a specific time frame within which a claim must be filed. Due to the unique nature of MTA as a public entity, stringent rules govern the timeline for initiating a claim.
In Yonkers, as with many other jurisdictions, claimants have a limited opportunity to take legal action following an MTA accident. Specifically, individuals are required to provide notice of their intent to file a claim within 90 days of the incident.
This notice is a formal alert to the MTA and other relevant parties that a claim may be pursued. Failing to adhere to this 90-day notice requirement can significantly hinder a claimant's ability to seek compensation for their injuries.
Given the public nature of the MTA, this notice provision is in place to ensure that governmental entities are promptly made aware of potential claims. It allows them to conduct timely investigations, gather evidence, and assess liability.
This requirement also protects the interests of both the claimant and the public entity, as it promotes transparency and expedites the claims process.
The statute of limitations for bringing a lawsuit against the MTA may extend beyond this initial notice period. However, promptly consulting with an experienced MTA accident attorney after an incident is imperative to ensure compliance with all relevant timelines.
Contact a Public Transport Accident Attorney
We understand the overwhelming feeling that you may be dealing with. This massive city authority can have tons of attorneys working with insurance companies to minimize your injuries.
The Ward Law Group counts on a special team of legal professionals that have provided high-quality legal representations to injured people in MTA bus accidents in Yonkers and accidents in train and subway stations.
No matter how your accident was, you can rely on our expertise to find fair compensation for your damages. We proudly serve the Hispanic community, which we know is a common user of the massive transportation system in New York.
Contact us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation of your case, and one of our lawyers will answer any questions.