Riding the subway in New York City is just a fact of life. While the subway offers an efficient and affordable means of transportation, it’s also the source of accidents and injuries. Understanding common causes of NYC subway accidents can help you stay safe while traveling across the city.
If you’re the victim of a subway accident, call our NYC subway accident lawyer today for legal assistance.
Common Causes of NYC Subway Accidents
As many as 3.2 million people ride the subway every day, which makes sense considering only 45.6% of households own vehicles in the city. Although subway trains don’t face many of the same risks as cars, they can still cause significant injuries when they operate incorrectly or when passengers fail to interact with them in an appropriate manner.
The following are a few major causes of NYC subway accidents:
- Mechanical failure: NYC subways can break down for countless reasons. Breakdowns may cause doors to open and/or close erratically, subway cars to collide with one another, and more.
- Operator errors: Because subway trains depend on conductors, they are just as subject to human error as any other form of public transportation. These operators can cause accidents by speeding, failing to brake at the right time, or operating the train under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Collisions: Sometimes, subway trains collide with each other. The possible train collision causes range from lack of maintenance to driver error.
- Poorly maintained tracks: Subway tracks require ongoing maintenance and frequent replacement, and many only last between six months and three years. Failure to maintain tracks can cause problems with the train’s wheels, forcing them to break or bend, and lead to dangerous operations.
- Passenger errors: Subway signage and automated recordings provide strict commuter safety regulations for how passengers should behave on subway cars. Passengers can become injured if they fail to hold on to the railing, attempt to pry open the doors, or overcrowd the cars.
- Purposeful interference: Occasionally, individuals purposefully interfere with the subway to cause crashes, such as the two individuals who entered and operated an empty train in September 2024, leading to a collision before fleeing the scene.
- Slippery floors: NYC subway accidents can also occur in the stations themselves. Flooring can become slippery during one of New York’s notorious rainy or snowy days, causing people to slip and fall.
- Lack of lighting: Because subway systems are underground, they do not receive much natural light. Proper lighting helps passengers see where they are going. When lights malfunction, passengers can trip and become injured.
- Electrical malfunctions: The NYC subway system relies heavily on electricity to operate. Electrical malfunctions can lead to shocks and electrocution.
Public transportation hazards abound in NYC subways, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hold someone accountable for your injuries. Understanding subway accident liability and pursuing passenger injury claims could allow you to recover compensation for your accident.
What To Do After Being a Victim of a Subway Accident in NYC
Following these steps after an NYC subway accident could streamline your compensation claim and physical recovery when bringing forth a claim for legal consideration.
1. Call 911 Immediately After the Accident
Whether your accident took place in the station or on a subway train, call 911. A police officer will come to the accident scene and create a police report. They can contact the organization responsible for overseeing the subway operation and report the accident. You can also receive medical attention at the accident scene and be transported to the hospital in an ambulance if necessary.
Don’t try to brush off the accident and pretend it never happened. Following emergency response protocols can aid your compensation process and help you begin moving forward from the accident.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay after the subway accident, seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Your physician can identify any underlying injuries you may have overlooked. They can also create documentation for you to use in your subway accident claim.
3. Hire a Subway Accident Attorney
You may have the right to seek compensation after your subway accident if you can hold another party liable. However, the process must be started within the first 90 days of the date of the occurrence. An experienced NYC subway accident attorney can help you determine your eligibility for compensation. They can also:
- Collect compelling evidence to support your claim or lawsuit
- Communicate with the city, the insurance company, and any other parties on your behalf
- Help you file legal paperwork
- Take care of the compensation process while you focus on recovering from your injuries
Contact Our Queens Subway Accident Lawyer Today
Were you involved in an NYC subway accident? You may have the right to seek compensation, and choosing the right personal injury lawyer makes all the difference as you pursue a claim.
At Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, we have extensive experience representing subway accident victims in Queens and the surrounding boroughs with compassion and understanding. Call us anytime, 24/7, at (718) 205-1010 to request your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to ride the subway in NYC?
It is generally safe to ride the subway in NYC. While NYC transit system risks are present, the likelihood of being involved in an accident is relatively low.
What was the worst NYC subway accident?
The worst NYC subway accident happened in 1918, when a speeding train lost control in a curved tunnel in Brooklyn, killing more than 93 people. Since then, the NYC subway system has implemented countless safety measures, but accidents still happen.
How often are there subway accidents in NYC?
While exact data about how often subway accidents occur in NYC isn’t available, it appears that the number of trains hitting people has risen in recent years. In 2022, approximately 88 track deaths occurred in NYC, compared to an average of 65 in 2018 and 2019. If you or a loved one was the victim of an NYC subway accident, reach out to our attorneys to discuss your next steps.