If you’ve been a New Yorker for very long, you’re probably well versed in our efficient, highly convenient subway system. The subway is normally quite safe, but this doesn’t mean that accidents can’t happen every now and then. Statistics have documented nearly 670 subway fatalities between 1990 and 2003.
If you’ve been hurt in a subway accident, an experienced legal professional can help you seek compensation. Below, learn everything you need to know about subway injuries from a car accident lawyer in NYC.
Subway accidents can run the gamut from collisions and derailments to falling on the tracks. We’ll go over several common subway accidents in NYC next.
Subway collisions aren’t incredibly common, but they can affect dozens of people when they happen. That’s what happened one January day in Manhattan. At least 26 people suffered injuries after one subway train rear-ended another. More than 300 people had to be evacuated, and the accident caused major disruptions to New Yorkers’ evening commute.
Subway derailments are closely tied to collisions. They can happen when one train collides with another, causing one or both trains to tip over or when a train hits debris on the tracks.
In 2024, three subway derailments occurred within the span of just 22 days. Two of these derailments happened after trains skipped the tracks.
And in 2023, at least 13 people were injured after eight subway cars derailed in Queens. At the time of the accident, investigators could not determine the cause of the subway derailment.
With millions of people streaming through our subway stations daily, it’s easy to imagine how trips, slips, and falls can happen. Riders slip on wet or icy floors, trip over debris, and sometimes even tumble onto the tracks.
Falls onto tracks are more common than many would like to think. In 2023, a young woman died on the tracks after falling from a medical episode. The same year, a man suffered fatal injuries when he lost his footing and fell into the path of an oncoming train.
Caught-between accidents can happen when a rider becomes trapped between subway car doors or two trains. If a train derails, riders may become trapped under heavy debris.
Caught-between incidents are often deadly because they cause crush injuries. Such injuries result in organ damage, broken bones, and breathing difficulties.
Around 8.3 million people live in New York City, and with that number comes a greater possibility of violent crimes. Many of these crimes happen in or near subway stations.
In October 2023, a woman was critically injured after a man shoved her onto the tracks, causing her to hit her head on a moving train. In March 2024, another man shoved a woman onto the tracks, causing an oncoming train to sever both of her feet.
Subway surfing isn’t incredibly common, but it’s recently garnered a lot of attention in New York City. Subway surfing occurs when someone rides or walks on top of a moving subway train. It’s just as dangerous as it sounds.
Many victims of subway surfing accidents come up with the idea after watching videos on social media platforms like TikTok. That’s what happened to two unfortunate 14-year-old boys. The boys, inspired by a TikTok video, were killed in separate incidents when they decided to ride on top of the train cars.
Subway accidents can have numerous causes. They include:
In our city, the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA), operated by the MTA, is responsible for maintaining the subway system. If it fails to maintain the system or identify hazards properly, you can hold it liable for your injuries.
The NYCTA may not be the only party that has liability. For instance, if construction workers left debris on the tracks, you could hold the construction company liable. If you had an accident because someone assaulted you, you can hold them liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
If you wish to sue the NYCTA or the MTA for negligence, it’s important to note that the statute of limitations is much shorter than it is for personal injury lawsuits. The process of seeking compensation is a bit different, too.
First, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident. This notice of claim tells the transportation authority that you intend to sue. A notice of claim must include:
Once you’ve filed a notice of claim, you have one year and 90 days from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
You have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit against an individual. Call a New York train accident lawyer for help with personal injury claims.
If you’ve had an accident in the NYC subway system, a subway accident lawyer in NYC can help. Call Ross & Hill at (718) 855-2324 for a free consultation.
For more information about slip and fall cases in Brooklyn, check out our answers to frequently asked questions below.
In most instances, homeowner’s or business insurance will cover your costs if you slip and fall on someone else’s property and get hurt. However, insurance companies don’t like to pay claims, so you may need to follow through with legal action to reach a settlement.
The plaintiff has the burden of proof to present their case for the property or business owner’s negligence in court. Your attorney can gather evidence, file your claim with the court, and build an argument to demonstrate the defendant’s negligence.
In 2022, 234 people were hit by subway trains in New York City. This is a nearly 25% increase over 2018’s numbers (189 victims).
The worst NYC subway accident happened in 1918 when a speeding train derailed, killing at least 93 people.
You have one year and 90 days from the date of the accident to sue the city. Your subway accident lawyer must wait 30 days after filing a notice of claim to file a lawsuit.