When you board a train, whether it is the subway, a commuter line, or Amtrak, you expect to reach your destination safely. But when something goes wrong, the results can be devastating. From derailments and collisions to platform injuries and on-the-job incidents, train accidents can leave people seriously hurt and unsure of what to do next.
If you or someone you love has sustained injuries as the result of a rail accident, you need to know your rights. That is where a New York train accident lawyer at the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC comes in. Our personal injury lawyers in New York are here to help you understand your rights and figure out what comes next.
You might not see train accidents making headlines every day, but this does not mean that they are rare. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, New York City’s public transit system sees more reported injuries than most other major cities: over 1,700 injuries between 2021 and 2023 alone. And it is getting worse, as the MTA reports a 30% increase in person-train collisions since 2018.
What causes these accidents? It varies. Operator mistakes, faulty equipment, and poor track maintenance are just a few of the causes of serious accidents that result in life-altering injuries for passengers and workers alike.
But regardless of the cause, the effects can be devastating. Data from Elmhurst Hospital Center and Mount Sinai Hospital show that about every 1 in 10 train accident victims suffers a severe injury like a traumatic brain injury or amputation. Even those with less critical injuries often need hospitalization and weeks or months to recover.
No matter how minor or severe your injuries seem, it is important to talk to someone who is knowledgeable in this area of the law. An experienced train accident attorney can help determine who might be responsible and what your next steps should be.
At the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC, our New York train accident lawyers assist injury victims in a wide range of rail-related cases, including:
Train operators, public transportation authorities, and equipment contractors all have a duty to protect the safety of passengers and workers. When someone fails to meet that duty, they may be held legally responsible.
Taking legal action after a train accident in New York may involve:
These cases are not always straightforward. They often come with a lot of red tape and strict timelines that can limit your ability to recover damages.
That is why contacting a railroad injury attorney right away is so vital. Having someone on your side who understands the process can help you avoid missteps and keep your case moving forward.
A train accident can take a significant physical and financial toll. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible for compensation related to:
If you are not sure if you have a case or what your case might be worth, a New York train accident lawyer will review the facts, break them down for you, and give you an honest assessment of your options.
We assist passengers, bystanders, and railroad employees in exploring legal options following an accident. The process begins with reviewing the facts of the incident to identify potential legal avenues available under New York law. If we take on your case, we will gather evidence, interview witnesses, review maintenance and inspection records, and consult relevant experts where needed to help document the facts of the incident.
Train accidents can happen anywhere in the New York City metro area, and you need a lawyer who knows the area and its transit systems, as well as the intricacies of the laws related to accident claims. Our team serves clients across all five boroughs, so whether you are searching for a Brooklyn train accident lawyer or someone in Manhattan, you will benefit from working with someone familiar with local routes, stations, and municipal entities.
Our firm handles matters involving subway-related injuries, alleged negligence by the MTA, and third-party contractors whose actions may have contributed to the incident. To learn more about your options after a train accident, contact the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC at (718) 474-9100 to speak with a New York train and bus accident lawyer.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you have serious injuries. Afterward, try to document the scene (if safe to do so), gather witness contact info, and report the incident to authorities. From there, you can consider contacting a lawyer.
Yes, but claims against public agencies/corporations involve strict procedures. You will need to file something called a “Notice of Claim” within 90 days. Failure to file a notice of claim timely can be fatal to your case.
Making a railroad employee locomotive accident claim requires working with a FELA lawyer, who is familiar with the specific laws governing federal workers.
The statute of limitations on train accident claims is typically three years from the date of the incident. However, a lawsuit against a public agency/corporation will need to be filed within one year and 90 days from the date of the accident in most circumstances and can only be filed if a “Notice of Claim” has been timely filed. A New York train accident lawyer can help you meet the deadlines.