New Yorkers are incredibly familiar with the subway. For some, it is how they get to and from work or school every day. It is how they run errands, visit loved ones, and more. Because the subway is such a major part of everyday life, many people fail to realize how dangerous it can be. When subway accidents occur, they can result in serious or even life-threatening injuries. Read on to learn more about how subway accidents happen and what to do in the event of an injury.
How do Subway Accidents Occur?
As stated before, subways are more dangerous than you may realize, and there are countless ways to sustain an injury. The most common subway accidents are a result of:
- Trip and falls in the stations or on the platform
- Derailments
- Doors closing too soon
- Sudden stops
- Turnstyle injuries
- Operator negligence
- People being dragged under the trail
- Electrical injuries due to malfunctions
- Obstructed walkways
- Collisions
- Robberies and other criminal activity due to poor subway security
- Broken escalators
- Broken stairs or platforms
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, you will have to prove that this negligence occurred and caused your accident. To do so, there are a number of important steps you can take. First, you should call 911. The police can send an ambulance to the scene, file an accident report, and more. If possible, take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident. Be sure to document the hazardous conditions that caused your accident to occur. It is important to seek medical attention right away. This will help ensure that your injuries are treated by a medical professional, while simultaneously providing you with proof of the origin and extent of your injuries. Before leaving, ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents. Lastly, make sure to contact an attorney right away. In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is generally three years. But, in this case, you will likely need to file a Notice of Claim. This notifies the government that a lawsuit is being brought against them. In the state of New York, injured parties are allowed 90 days from the date of the injury to file a Notice of Claim. Missing this deadline will likely mean you will be barred from taking legal action.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a New York City accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive an award of significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced construction site accident attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.
