Brooklyn Subway and Bus Accident Lawyers

New York City’s public transportation system is one of the largest in the world, serving a population of 15.3 million people in more than 2.6 billion trips per year. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) maintains the largest bus fleet in the United States and more subway trains than all other American transit systems combined.

Accidents occur regularly with such a vast network and five million daily riders. Many subway trains, stations, buses, and bus stops throughout the city are poorly maintained. The New York Post reports that buses alone were involved in more than 20,000 accidents over three years, and MTA records show that approximately 700 people are injured in subway-related accidents yearly.

At Rubenstein & Rynecki, our experienced Brooklyn bus and subway accident lawyers have over 50 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims. We have extensive knowledge of state and federal laws governing mass transit accidents and experience to skillfully build your case. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus or subway accident, our dedicated legal team can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

What Are the Different Types of Bus and Subway Accidents?

Mass transit is the most common form of transportation in New York City, and millions of residents, commuters, and tourists ride buses and subways throughout the city each day. However, many of the city’s bus stops and subway stations are dark and need repair, compromising users’ safety from other passengers and dangerous conditions.

Despite public transit’s safety measures to minimize accident risks, including regular maintenance, employee safety training, and monitoring technology, bus and subway accidents continue. In 2021, the MTA reported that nearly 50 people were struck and killed by subway trains or from falling onto the tracks in eight months. Other accidents involving buses and subways include but are not limited to:

• Bus accidents: Accidents involving buses occur due to collisions, falls from the platform or when entering or exiting, poor maintenance, speeding, sudden starts and stops, faulty equipment, inclement weather, or being dragged by the bus.
• Subway accidents: Subway accidents occur due to derailments, sudden stops, insufficient maintenance, falls from the platform, passenger assault, malfunctioning doors, and mechanical failure.

Operator error also plays a significant role in bus and subway accidents. Drivers who are distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol increase the risk of accidents and compromise passenger safety.

Who Is Responsible for Bus or Subway Accidents?

The City of New York is usually liable for accidents involving city-owned MTA buses and the subway system; however, depending on the circumstances, multiple other responsible parties can also be involved. Other potentially responsible parties include:

• Operator: If the operator’s negligence, such as texting and driving, drunk driving, ignoring red signals, or speeding, led to the accident, the operator may be liable for the accident and your injuries.
• Motorists: If a reckless motorist is driving illegally, violating traffic laws, speeding or drunk driving, and crashes into the bus, the driver may be liable.
• Contractor: If a city-hired contractor or subcontractor fails to perform proper maintenance and repair or comply with government regulations, they may be responsible.
• Manufacturer: The bus or subway train manufacturer may be responsible if defective or poorly designed equipment, such as faulty brakes or doors, caused the accident.
• Passengers: Passengers can also be responsible if their injuries were inflicted due to an assault, being shoved off the bus or subway platform, or being knocked down intentionally.

Determining liability in bus and subway accidents can be difficult without extensive knowledge and experience with these unique types of cases. Rubenstein & Rynecki has represented bus and subway accident victims for over 50 years. Our exceptionally skilled lawyers are well-versed in public transportation laws and adept at investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and working with industry experts to establish negligence and seek maximum compensation for your injuries. We have an esteemed reputation for recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our injured clients.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Bus or Subway Accident?

In typical personal injury cases, New York’s statute of limitations for filing a claim is three years from the date of the accident or death. However, claims against government entities, such as the MTA, are exempt from the three-year statute of limitations.

In most cases involving mass transit vehicles, claims must be filed within 90 days of the accident, which cannot be extended even if your injuries are severe. With the shortened deadline and volume of lawsuits against New York’s public transportation system, you should seek legal assistance immediately if you are injured in a bus or subway accident.

What Are Common Injuries in Bus and Subway Accidents?

There are numerous types of injuries caused by bus and subway accidents, ranging from mild to severe, and include traumatic brain injuries, amputations, spinal injuries, organ damage, cuts and lacerations, broken bones, paralysis, and death, among others.

What Should I Do After a Bus or Subway Accident?

Evidence is especially crucial in bus and subway accidents. Following an accident, you should report the accident and injuries to the police, photograph the scene, gather witness statements, seek medical attention, maintain all records, and hire an experienced lawyer with experience negotiating with insurance companies and litigating government entities.

What Compensation Can I Seek for My Injuries?

If you suffer injuries in a bus or subway accident, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic compensation, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, wrongful death, and more, depending on the circumstances.

How Can Rubenstein & Rynecki Help Me?

Our experienced Brooklyn bus and subway accident lawyers will investigate the scene, review police reports, interview witnesses, establish your ongoing medical needs, negotiate with insurance companies, hire experts, and represent you in court, if necessary.

Our Brooklyn Bus and Subway Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki Fight for Clients Injured in Bus, Subway, and Mass Transit Accidents

New York City has one of the largest mass transit systems in the world, used by millions of people every day. With such extensive use and large crowds, accidents are inevitable. Our experienced Brooklyn bus and subway accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki can help if you have been injured. You have limited time to file a claim, so call today at 718-522-1020 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Brooklyn, we serve clients throughout New York City, including The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.