MTA Train Accident Lawyer
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, also known as the MTA, has played an extremely important role in helping New York residents and visitors travel the city via bus, subway, and railroad. Although these forms of transportation prevent damage to the environment, save customers money on gas and car insurance, and reduce traffic, they also put users at risk of serious injury, as common carrier accidents, especially those involving trains, tend to have particularly devastating consequences for passengers. Fortunately, it is possible for injured passengers, employees, and bystanders to collect damages to cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, filing a claim can be a difficult endeavor, especially for those who don’t have legal representation, as the MTA is a large and well-funded corporation that is adept at avoiding liability. For this reason, visitors to and residents of New York who are injured in an MTA accident are encouraged to speak with an MTA train accident lawyer who has the resources and experience to ensure that their rights and interests are protected.
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“Integrity”
“In addition to his substantive contributions to railroad grade crossing safety, I have personally observed his untiring efforts and contributions to improving the integrity of the legal system.”- Elizabeth Hardy -
“Beyond Belief”
“His knowledge of the rail industry and his willingness to share his knowledge with other people who do railroad work is beyond belief to me.”- Mike Bee -
“Given Hope”
“Through his efforts, he has single-handedly given hope to victims who are injured or killed as a result of dangerous railroad crossings”- Donald Vasos -
“Impressed”
“Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads.”- Jonathon (Jon) C. Clark -
“Excellent Results”
“Nathan Karlin has my strongest endorsement in the field of railroad crossing cases and personal injury law.”- Joseph M. Miller -
“Would Recommend Without Hesitation”
“In each case, Nathan always possessed an incredible knowledge of the law and the facts, possessed a great talent for aggressive – strategic legal planning and trial tactics while, at the same time, displaying great skill as an effective negotiator.”- Scott McCluen -
“First Call is Nathan's Firm”
“Nathan’s knowledge and experience in handling and trying cases against these litigation savvy railroad companies gives me the confidence to know that the clients and cases I refer to him are getting the best of the best.”- James Perrin -
“Hard-Working”
“The staff is helpful, professional, and responsive.”- Tracy D.
What is the MTA?
The MTA is a public company that oversees a number of different types of public transportation in New York, namely subways, buses, and trains, in addition to bridges, railroads, and tunnels. While the MTA takes steps to keep passengers safe from harm, accidents can and do occur. Train accidents, in particular, are notorious for causing the most amount of damage, both to property and to passengers, employees, and bystanders.
What Causes MTA Accidents?
Like any other type of train accident, MTA accidents occur for a wide range of reasons, although the most common include:
- Operator error, which is often the result of driver fatigue or distraction, or a lack of training or supervision;
- Speeding or improper train handling;
- Mechanical defects, which includes problems with train engines or other parts caused by defective manufacturing or design;
- A failure to properly maintain trains, tracks, or platforms;
- A failure to maintain equipment, such as lighting and signals; and
- Improper security.
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Purpose-Driven Representation
We handle each case with the belief that the legal system should be a tool for positive change. Our work often leads to broader safety improvements, not just individual outcomes.
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Focused on Serious Injury Cases
Our practice centers on railroad crossing accidents and other catastrophic injuries. These complex cases demand deep experience and a commitment to long-term impact.
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Personalized, Accessible Legal Support
We maintain a welcoming environment where clients are heard, supported, and informed. Our team approach ensures you’re never left wondering where your case stands.
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Free Consultations, Contingency-Based FeesWe offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. It’s one way we make justice more accessible for those who need it most.
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Filing a Claim
Filing a suit after an MTA train accident can be complicated, as it is often difficult to discern who was at fault, especially when multiple parties were involved. To help determine the cause of these types of accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducts investigations into all MTA train accidents, although other government agencies, in addition to the MTA itself and local or state police officers, may also conduct independent investigations. In most cases, the results of these investigations will reveal the cause of an accident and the responsible parties. However, these investigations are not always conducted extensively or in good faith, so it is still important for accident victims to retain an attorney who can also closely investigate the cause of the accident. Responsible parties could include one or more of the following individuals or entities:
- The MTA;
- A specific train crew;
- A train’s operator;
- Negligent drivers or pedestrians;
- Train equipment manufacturers; or
- The agency responsible for designing or maintaining the tracks.
However, it is not uncommon for more than one party to be held responsible for damages, as many train accidents can be attributed to more than one person or entity. For instance, a few years ago, a woman lost her life when she drove her SUV onto the tracks in the path of an oncoming train. Five other passengers were also tragically killed. Although investigators were unable to determine why the woman continued to drive forward even after a crossing arm came down, they did find that the severity of the accident could also be attributed to the state of the track itself, as the electrified rail was constructed in such a manner that it actually ripped away and tore through the train on impact. Further investigations by the driver’s widower revealed that the signs painted on the road pavement warning drivers that a crossing was ahead were most likely hidden by vehicles traveling above.
Regardless of who was at fault, injured parties who are thinking about filing a lawsuit against the MTA should be aware that they only have a limited time, 90 days from the date of the accident, in which they can file a notice of claim. Plaintiffs who miss this deadline will most likely have their claims denied outright.