Do you need an NYC MTA accident attorney?
The system of trains and buses that traverses New York City is among the largest and most sophisticated in the world, providing cost-effective public transit to millions of New Yorkers and visitors around the clock.
While those in charge of designing and maintaining the system do their best to ensure riders’ safety, accidents can and do occur. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a bus or subway accident, you’ll need the help of experienced MTA accident lawyers to fight for compensation and get back on your feet.
The trauma of an accident can not only leave you dealing with the challenges of recovery or the grief of loss but also fighting a battle against the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and its lawyers and insurance providers. The last thing you need when you’re healing or planning a funeral is this kind of added stress.
An MTA accident lawyer in NYC can offer the legal advice, representation, and support you need. Contact us today via our website or call us at (516) 399-2364 to schedule your free consultation and find out whether you have a case.
Tucker Lawyers Is More Than Just a Reputable Law Firm
Tucker Lawyers has over 30 years of experience negotiating settlements and winning favorable verdicts in personal injury cases like yours, including NYC subway accidents. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to delay and deny claims.
See what our many satisfied clients say about our comprehensive services and their positive experiences working with our talented and compassionate team. Also, have a look at the community involvement initiatives we take part in. We’re here to help all our fellow New Yorkers, not just our clients.
What to Expect When You Choose Tucker Lawyers to Handle Your Case
FREE CONSULTATION WITH A SEASONED MTA SUBWAY ACCIDENT LAWYER
You might be nervous about speaking with an MTA accident attorney if you’ve never been involved in a lawsuit before. That’s why our goal is to make the process as easy as possible, starting with a free, no-obligation consultation.
All you have to do is schedule your appointment, tell us your story, and find out whether you have a case. You won’t have to pay a cent unless we collectively decide to pursue a lawsuit; if that happens, we’ll discuss the next steps and guide you through the process, empowering you to make informed decisions.
COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL PREPARATIONS
When we work on cases, the bulk of our time is spent gathering evidence. This typically includes collecting documents like incident reports and medical bills, as well as speaking with witnesses, finding video footage of the event, and consulting with experts.
When you report an incident that occurred on New York’s public transit system, the MTA conducts its own investigation. This can make it more difficult for you to file a successful lawsuit against the agency later on. To give yourself the best possible chance of recovering compensation, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
The Claims Process: What to Expect in Negotiations and Court Proceedings
The aftermath of an MTA accident can be daunting. Your MTA bus accident attorney in NYC will do their best to secure a satisfactory settlement for you as quickly as possible, but the reality is that the process can often stretch on for months, if not years. It will be particularly lengthy if you end up going to court, rather than settling the claim through negotiation.
Generally speaking, there are a number of stages to any MTA accident claim.
Settlement Discussions
During this stage, the MTA’s insurance company will present at least one settlement offer. It’s essential to review this offer carefully and consider it in light of all the expenses your accident has incurred, as well as the physical and emotional trauma you’ve endured. Your attorney will be able to assess the fairness of any offer and advise you on whether or not to settle.
Court Proceedings
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court. This part of the process starts with filing a lawsuit. It’s worth noting, though, that filing a lawsuit does not automatically bring your case before a judge and jury; there may be additional opportunities to negotiate a settlement from this point.
After you file suit, the case goes through several stages, including:
- Discovery: This is a process whereby both sides share information about the evidence and witnesses they plan to use. It can involve written questions, document requests, and depositions.
- Trial: During trials, both sides present their arguments, evidence, and witness testimonies. A judge or jury then makes a decision on the case on this basis.
- Appeal: Either party can appeal the case to a higher court if they are unhappy with the initial outcome. This involves different legal considerations and can extend the duration of the case considerably.
FAQs for Our MTA Accident Lawyers
Whether you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident or an incident in a New York bus or subway station, the experience can be traumatic, and you may be overwhelmed by the thought of launching a lawsuit while you’re trying to recover.
We go out of our way to make the process as easy as possible, and we want to ensure that you always feel comfortable and confident as your case progresses. This starts with answering some of your most frequently asked questions.
How do I know if I have a case?
Have you been injured in an accident, and have those injuries resulted in medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses? Was the accident due to negligence by of another party? If you answered yes to these questions, it’s time to speak with a qualified MTA accident lawyer, as you may be eligible for compensation.
Even if you’re partially responsible for what happened, you might still be entitled to some compensation under New York’s comparative fault laws, and we’re happy to review your case and help you understand your prospects.
Is there a statute of limitations to file my lawsuit?
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims dictates that you must file suit within three years of the date the accident occurred. For a wrongful death claim, you have only two years, though the time runs from the date of death rather than the date of the accident. You should note that the rules relating to lawsuits against state and local entities are different and the applicable deadlines could be much shorter.
How much do the services of an MTA bus accident lawyer cost?
Our MTA accident lawyers work on contingency, which means you pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid until we negotiate a settlement or secure an award at trial.
What type of settlement can I expect?
The amounts our clients recover vary from one case to the next based on several factors. Broadly speaking, however, settlements could be anywhere from a few thousand to a few million dollars.
Our goal is to help you seek fair compensation for economic damages like medical bills, rehabilitation, loss of income, and so on, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases, punitive damages could be awarded for particularly reckless or malicious behavior on the part of the defendant.
How long will it take to get my settlement?
Again, this will depend on the specifics of your case. Settlements could be reached in a matter of weeks in some cases, but more complex and higher-value cases can take years to reach conclusions.
What to Do in the Aftermath of an MTA Subway Accident
According to media reports, there were 88 deaths on subway tracks in 2022. That’s only a portion of the accidents that occur within the NYC bus and train system.
Quick action can give you the best opportunity to negotiate for a fair settlement when an accident occurs. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention. If you’re able, collect contact information for witnesses at the scene, as well as photos or videos of the incident.
Next, you’ll want to contact an MTA accident lawyer to start building your case. Do not speak to MTA lawyers or insurance agents before you consult with an attorney that will represent you and your interests.
Common Causes of MTA Accidents
Accidents can happen on public transport systems for a variety of reasons. However, in the time we’ve been working on these types of cases, we’ve seen certain types of accidents occur over and over again. Despite many of these incidents occurring under very similar circumstances, the outcomes of the resulting lawsuits can be wildly different. That’s why hiring a top-class MTA accident lawyer in NYC is so important if you want to maximize the payout you receive from a suit like this.
Operator Error
Operator errors can be a significant contributor to MTA accidents. Common errors include reckless driving, speeding, and failure to yield. Mistakes by drivers and operators are sometimes brought about by distraction, fatigue, or the influence of alcohol or drugs; if it’s possible to prove one of these factors had a role to play, it may be easier to establish negligence and win your case.
Mechanical Failures
Occasionally, mechanical failures or malfunctions can result in accidents. These can range from brake failures to electrical faults. Regular maintenance and proper inspection of vehicles can often prevent such mishaps, so the existence of issues like mechanical failure or malfunction may be evidence of negligence.
Infrastructure Problems
Issues with infrastructure, such as poor road or track conditions, sometimes leads to MTA accidents. This might include inadequate signage, poorly maintained stations, faulty signals, or improperly marked construction zones.
Inclement Weather
Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, fog, or ice, can cause hazardous operating conditions leading to accidents. While drivers and operators are trained to handle such conditions, avoidance isn’t always possible.
Passenger Behavior
Passenger actions can sometimes be a contributing factor to MTA accidents. This can include disruptive behavior, failure to follow safety guidelines, or accidents occurring while boarding or alighting from the vehicles. The MTA may or may not be liable for dangerous passenger behavior, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Qualified MTA Subway Accident Lawyer Today
There’s no need to face the stress and frustration of dealing with insurance companies on your own. The caring and experienced MTA accident lawyers at Tucker Lawyers are ready to help you build a strong personal injury case to negotiate for the settlement you’re entitled to.
Contact us today via the form on our website or over the phone at (516) 399-2365 to learn more and get started.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]