Every day, thousands of New Yorkers rely on trains to get to work, meet friends, and explore the city. Whether it’s the iconic subways of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), the PATH trains connecting New York and New Jersey, or national services like Amtrak, trains are an essential part of life in this vibrant metropolis.
Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station serve as central hubs for daily commuters and tourists alike, maintaining the rhythm of city life. However, when train accidents happen, they can disrupt lives in heartbreaking ways. What begins as a routine ride can end in life-altering injuries or wrongful death.
If you or a loved one has experienced the devastating consequences of a train accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. An experienced New York City train accident lawyer from the Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP, can help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
Why Choose Rothenberg Law Firm for Your NYC Train Accident Case
At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we understand that a train accident is not just an event; it is a turning point that can leave families reeling. When our clients come to us, we see more than paperwork or legal claims––we see people enduring some of the darkest days of their lives. This is why we go beyond legal representation, committing to being a source of support at every step of the process.
For over five decades, our firm has built a reputation for excellence. We’ve recovered billions for injury victims because we stop at nothing to get our clients the justice and compensation they deserve. Not only do we have the experience and resources to take on major transit companies like the MTA and Amtrak, but we also have the heart to fight as though we’re advocating for a member of our own family. From the first phone call to the resolution of your case, you’ll feel the difference a compassionate and client-focused law firm makes.
What truly sets us apart is our willingness to go the distance. While some firms look for quick settlements, we prepare every case for trial. This ensures that when large railroad companies and their insurers fail to offer fair compensation, we are ready to hold them accountable in court. We are zealous advocates for our clients, whether that means negotiating aggressively or standing before a judge and jury.
Common Causes of Train Accidents in New York City
Train accidents in New York City occur for many reasons, often stemming from negligence or preventable errors. When accidents happen, the result can be catastrophic injuries, leaving survivors and their families grappling with the aftermath.
Negligence by Train Operators
Distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated train operators are responsible for an alarming number of accidents. Whether using a cellphone, working long shifts without adequate rest, or violating safety protocols, operator negligence jeopardizes the safety of all aboard.
Poor Track Maintenance
New York’s train systems cover hundreds of miles of track, requiring constant inspection and upkeep. However, failures in routine maintenance––whether due to cost-cutting measures, staffing shortages, or oversight––can lead to deadly derailments and collisions.
Mechanical Failures
Modern trains rely on complex systems to operate safely. When brakes, signals, or other crucial components malfunction, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
Excessive Speed
Speeding poses significant risks in areas with sharp curves, high traffic, or platforms. Trains must adhere to posted limits, but when operators or systems push these boundaries, derailments can occur.
Collisions
Collisions with vehicles at railroad crossings, pedestrians, or other trains often lead to devastating damage and injuries. Such accidents can result from faulty crossing gates, insufficient warnings, or operator error.
Improper Switch Alignment
Train switches control how trains move between tracks, but when they are improperly aligned, a train can derail or be sent onto the wrong path. This can happen due to human error, mechanical issues, or poor communication.
Objects on Tracks
Debris, vehicles stalled on tracks, or improperly stored maintenance equipment can cause trains to derail or crash. When objects obstruct the tracks, the lives of countless passengers may be at risk.
Unfortunately, identifying the root cause of a train accident often requires detailed investigations, which is why hiring a skilled New York City train accident lawyer is so important. Legal teams uncover the truth and hold negligent parties accountable for preventable tragedies.
Types of Train Accidents
Train accidents take many forms, but all have one thing in common––they leave victims with lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. Below are some of the most common types of train accidents in New York City and their devastating effects on those impacted.
Passenger Train Accidents
Passenger trains such as the MTA subway, LIRR, Metro-North, PATH, and Amtrak are vital to daily life in NYC. When accidents occur on these commuter trains, passengers often suffer serious injuries, ranging from head trauma to broken bones. Whether caused by operator negligence, faulty equipment, or collisions, these accidents disrupt lives and often leave innocent victims seeking answers and justice.
Subway Accidents
The New York City subway system carries millions of passengers each day, making it one of the busiest transit systems in the world. Unfortunately, frequent use also means frequent accidents. Falls on platforms, derailments, and train-on-pedestrian collisions can all lead to devastating consequences, often requiring victims to pursue legal action against transit authorities.
Freight Train Accidents
Freight trains may not carry passengers, but their accidents can still cause immense harm. When freight derailments disrupt commercial areas or collide with passenger services, the results can be catastrophic. Loose cargo, chemical spills, and derailed cars put the lives of pedestrians, employees, and entire communities at risk.
Pedestrian and Vehicle Collisions
Railroad crossings are particularly dangerous for drivers and pedestrians who may unwittingly cross before a train arrives. Faulty crossing signals, inadequate lighting, and negligent operators can all result in tragic collisions. Unfortunately, victims dealing with severe injuries or fatalities are often left to face complex legal battles as they seek justice.
No matter the type of accident, victims deserve to know their legal options. Working with an experienced train accident attorney ensures that you can hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation you need to recover physically and emotionally.
Determining Liability in Train Accidents
When a train accident occurs, determining who is legally responsible is critical to ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve. Unfortunately, identifying liability in train accidents is often complicated, with multiple parties potentially at fault. This is why having an experienced NYC train accident lawyer by your side is so important. They can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to uncover the truth and hold the negligent parties accountable.
Potential Liable Parties
Several individuals and entities may bear responsibility for a train accident, including but not limited to the following parties:
- Train operators and crew: Operators are expected to maintain focus and adhere to safety protocols. A single lapse in judgment––whether due to fatigue, distraction, or intoxication––can have devastating consequences.
- Railroad companies: Major operators like the MTA, Amtrak, LIRR, and Metro-North are responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their trains and tracks. Failure to enforce safety measures or implement routine inspections can make these companies liable for accidents.
- Maintenance contractors: Independent contractors tasked with maintaining train tracks, signals, and cars may be at fault if their negligence leads to predictable and preventable failures.
- Equipment manufacturers: If a train’s mechanical components––such as its brakes or signaling systems––are found to be defective, the manufacturer can be held accountable for its role in causing the accident.
Proving Negligence
Establishing negligence is essential to building a strong train accident claim. Our attorneys investigate every detail to demonstrate how the at-fault party failed to act responsibly. Common forms of negligence in train accidents include the following:
- Failure to follow safety protocols: Examples include ignoring speed limits, failing to use warning signals, or violating federal train regulations.
- Inadequate training or supervision: If a railroad company fails to provide proper training for its staff or neglects to supervise its operators adequately, it can be considered negligent.
- Poor maintenance or defective equipment: When tracks, signals, or cars are improperly maintained or parts are defective, catastrophic accidents can follow.
When a company or individual’s actions (or inaction) directly lead to an accident, they must be held accountable.
Compensation for Train Accident Victims
Train accidents often leave victims facing overwhelming medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. The physical and financial toll can be staggering, especially when injuries require months or even years of recovery. There are different types of compensation you may be eligible for. Here’s a closer look at each:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the tangible, financial losses that result from a train accident, including the following:
- Medical expenses: This includes immediate medical bills as well as ongoing costs for rehabilitation, therapy, and long-term care.
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity: If injuries prevent you from returning to work or reduce your capacity to earn a living in the future, compensation can help cover these losses.
- Property damage: Any repairs or replacements for personal property damaged in the accident may be included in your compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the profound emotional and psychological impacts of an accident, such as the following:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and lasting injuries that decrease your quality of life.
- Emotional distress: Many train accident survivors experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the event.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Severe injuries can prevent victims from engaging in hobbies, relationships, or other quality-of-life activities they once enjoyed.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded in cases where gross negligence or reckless behavior contributed to the accident. These damages are meant to punish wrongdoers and act as a deterrent for future misconduct.
Why You Need a Train Accident Lawyer
Train accidents are uniquely complex, involving multiple parties, government regulations, and layers of evidence. Attempting to pursue a claim without legal support can hurt your chances of recovering the full compensation you need. Here’s why partnering with the Rothenberg Law Firm is crucial to the success of your case.
Complexity of Train Accident Cases
Train accidents often involve numerous parties, including operators, railroad companies, contractors, and manufacturers. Navigating these overlapping responsibilities––while remaining compliant with federal, state, and local laws––requires deep legal understanding. An experienced train accident attorney from our firm can identify all parties at fault and build a coordinated legal strategy to pursue justice.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies representing train operators or transit authorities are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts, often by offering lowball settlements that don’t begin to cover victims’ losses. Our legal team protects clients from predatory tactics, negotiating aggressively for full and fair compensation.
Preserving Evidence
Evidence from train accident scenes fades fast, and without it, your case can falter. Surveillance footage can be overwritten, track conditions can change, and witnesses may forget key details over time. Acting quickly with a lawyer ensures evidence is preserved, and expert witnesses can strengthen your case.
Navigating Legal Deadlines
Train accident cases often involve tight legal deadlines, especially when pursuing claims against government entities. For example, claims involving MTA or PATH trains require notices of intent before lawsuits can proceed. The Rothenberg Law Firm ensures all deadlines are met, protecting your rights every step of the way.
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring legal representation; you’re gaining a compassionate advocate who is determined to guide you through this difficult time.
Contact Our New York City Train Accident Lawyers Today
Harry Rothenberg, New York City Train Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a train accident, the Rothenberg Law Firm can provide the guidance and legal support you need to secure the compensation you deserve. We are proud to support victims and their families across New York City with more than 50 years of experience handling complex personal injury cases.
Contact us today at (800) 624-8888 or through our online form for a free consultation with our experienced NYC persoanl injury lawyer. Together, we can work toward justice and put your life on the path to recovery.
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP – New York City Office
450 7th Ave 44th floor
New York, NY 10123
Ph: (516) 715-3658
