Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Trains have played a major factor in the city’s growth. Many Bronx residents rely on the subway system to travel throughout the city, and in doing so they trust that they will remain safe.
Due to how dangerous a train collision can be, it is important that train operators and transit companies take the necessary precautions to keep passengers safe at all times. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you or someone you know has been injured in a train accident, contact a Bronx train accident lawyer at Shulman & Hill for help.
Common Injuries Caused By Train Accidents in the Bronx
Unfortunately, a vast network of trains makes for a great possibility of being in an accident. Due to the large size and speed of a train and the presence of electrical rails, accidents can be devastating. In the first half of 2021, the New York Police Department reported that 23 people died on New York City subway tracks.
Any type of Bronx subway train accident has the potential to result in severe injuries. These include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Electrocution
- Burns
- Blunt trauma
- Wrongful death
Unfortunately, the long, painful recovery process does not end once you leave the hospital. Being injured in a train accident can lead to costly medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and much more. You may never be the same after a train accident. Shulman & Hill understands this which is why we fight so hard to help our clients secure the financial resources they need to heal.
Common Causes of Bronx Train Accidents
New York City boasts the fifth largest subway system in the world. Operating such a large subway system requires that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and other relevant parties take constant care and precautions to help mitigate accidents. However, Bronx train accidents can and still do happen. They can be caused by a number of reasons, including the following:
- Speeding: Traveling at fast speeds may increase the likelihood of collisions and derailments occurring
- Operator error: Anything from a sudden stop to opening doors on the wrong side of a train may result in passengers being injured
- Signal failure: Train operators rely on signals for direction on how fast to travel, when to stop, and more. If they are not working properly, trains may be more likely to collide
- Mechanical failure: In order to ensure the safety of every train, transit companies should inspect and regularly maintain their fleets
- Track failure: Old or broken tracks may cause trains to derail
Transit companies like the MTA and Amtrak are responsible for ensuring their tracks, platforms, and trains are as safe as possible. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring their operators and similar staff are all properly trained to ensure that collisions and other accidents do not happen. If they fail to do so and an accident occurs, they may be held liable for any injuries and losses suffered by passengers and other affected members of the public.
How a Bronx Train Accident Lawyer Can Help You
At Shulman & Hill, we have an impressive track record of success in personal injury cases. As a result, this has given us a unique perspective into the tactics that insurance companies often use to minimize compensation for injured train accident victims.
Building a Strong Case On Your Behalf
The first step to recovering compensation is to investigate the cause of your accident and resulting injuries. This can help identify who may be responsible for the accident. Our train accident attorneys will gather supporting evidence that shows how the actions of the potentially liable party caused your injuries, and why you should be compensated as a result. They will compile all of this documentation when filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Fighting for Fair Compensation
Insurance companies are like any other business: Most seek to protect their bottom line. As a result, they may not think beyond the minimum of your needs when it comes to offering a settlement. However, the medical bills are just the beginning. An experienced Bronx personal injury lawyer will fight to ensure that your immediate, past, and future losses are adequately addressed. This may include anticipated medical expenses, loss of earning potential, ongoing pain and suffering, and more.
If we feel that a settlement offer does not compensate you fairly for the harm you may have suffered, we will let you know and can negotiate on your behalf for something higher. If an insurer refuses to meet these demands, we can represent your interests in a jury trial.
Some people wrongly assume that hiring a lawyer is cost-prohibitive. However, that is not necessarily the case. At Shulman & Hill, we offer free legal consultations. We will review the viability of your case without charging you a cent. If you choose to work with us, you will only pay if and when we secure compensation for you.