For many New York residents, their daily commute consists of public transportation. This is an accessible and affordable option for those who wish to travel around without having to spend money on gas or auto insurance. However, according to research, public transit accidents result in roughly 18,000 injuries and 240 deaths each year in the United States. As such, it’s crucial to know how to proceed after a public transit accident to ensure your health and safeguard your legal rights. Please continue reading to learn the steps you should take following an accident and why connecting with a skilled New York City MTA Accident Attorney is in your best interest.
What Causes Public Transit Accidents?
In New York, stringent standards and regulations are in place to ensure riders’ safety on public transportation. However, despite this effort, accidents still happen. The most common causes of public transit accidents include but are not limited to the following:
- Driver error
- Improperly maintained vehicles
- Mechanical failure
- Other motorists
- Hazards on the road
- Unsafe or poor road conditions
- Unsafe railroad or subway tracks
- Derailments
What Should I Do After a Public Transit Accident in New York?
If you have suffered serious injuries while riding on public transportation in New York, it’s crucial to understand how to proceed to protect your legal rights. Understandably, it can be difficult to remain calm after such a traumatic experience. However, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your well-being. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, you should assess yourself and the other passengers to determine whether emergency medical care is required. Contact emergency services to report the accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor you should be examined and treated by a medical professional who can provide you with the proper diagnosis as some injuries are not immediately apparent or have delayed symptoms.
From here, a representative from the transportation company will likely arrive at the scene to talk to those involved in the accident. They will inform those involved of the next steps by providing a claims form. It’s important to avoid completing this form until you have had the opportunity to consult an experienced attorney who can assist you in filing your claim.
If you are physically capable and it is reasonably safe to do so, you should gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Take pictures of the scene, the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any visible injuries you have sustained. In addition, you should gather other passengers’ contact information. These steps will help you satisfy the burden of proof.
As you can see, trying to navigate the claims process when injured on public transit can be incredibly complex. If you have been injured in a mass transit accident in New York, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated legal team. At Swerling Law, were are prepared to effectively represent your interests. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.