Mass Transit Accident Attorneys in Staten Island, NY
When an ordinary commute turns into a life-changing event, the physical and emotional toll can feel overwhelming. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our Staten Island mass transit accident attorneys believe you should never have to face the aftermath of a crash alone.
Our lawyers are here to provide the relentless legal advocacy and compassionate support your family needs during this difficult time.
Key Takeaways
- Strict deadlines — Claims against public agencies like the MTA or NYC Transit Authority require a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days.
- Complex liability — Mass transit cases may involve government entities, private contractors, or third-party drivers.
- Evidence preservation is vital — Our Staten Island personal injury lawyers work quickly to secure camera footage and maintenance logs before they are deleted.
- No upfront costs — Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case.
What Is Considered a Mass Transit Accident?
A mass transit accident involves any vehicle designed to transport large groups of people. In Staten Island, Brooklyn, and other communities in New York, this most often includes:
- Buses — MTA city buses, express buses, and school buses
- Subways — Accidents on the train or within the stations
- Ferries — Incidents involving the Staten Island Ferry and private ferry services
- Commuter rail — The Staten Island Railway (SIR) and PATH trains
- Paratransit — Access and other specialized transport services
Common Causes of Transit Accidents in New York
Transit accidents happen due to a wide range of factors, including:
- Operator error, such as distracted driving, fatigue, DUI, or failure to follow safety protocols
- Maintenance lapses like worn brakes, faulty subway doors, or uneven station platforms
- Defective parts, which can cause mechanical failures due to poorly manufactured components
- Negligent third-party drivers, such as motorists who collide with buses or transit vehicles
Types of Mass Transit Injuries
- Bone fractures— Passengers may suffer broken limbs or ribs being thrown against seats or partitions
- Soft tissue injuries — Whiplash and ligament tears often happen in accidents involving sudden braking
- Internal trauma — Blunt force can cause life-threatening organ damage or internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — Impact during a collision or sudden stop can lead to concussion or permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord damage — Severe jolts often result in herniated discs, chronic back pain, and life-altering spinal injuries such as paralysis.
- Crush injuries —Bus accidents, malfunctioning doors, or being caught in large gaps between platforms and subway trains can lead to injuries like amputation
These types of injuries often require extensive surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and costly long-term care. Our Staten Island mass transit accident lawyers work closely with medical experts and life care planners to determine the full scope of current and future damages and ensure your claim is accurately valued.
Navigating Transit Liability Cases in New York
With more than 50 years of experience in
personal injury law, our mass transit accident attorneys in Staten Island are well-versed in the nuances of local and state law.
What is The Common Carrier Standard?
In New York, trains, subways, and ferries operate as common carriers. This means these public entities follow a higher standard of care to ensure passenger safety.
- Duty to protect— Common carriers must take proactive steps to prevent harm rather than simply avoiding wrongful acts
- Duty to warn — Transit authorities must inform passengers of known hazards such as platform gaps or slippery station floors
- Safe boarding and exiting — This duty of care applies from the moment you enter the station until you safely reach a public area after your trip
Claims Against Public Authorities
Most mass transportation in Staten Island, Brooklyn and the surrounding boroughs is managed by public entities like the MTA or the Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority (SIRTOA). When bringing a claim against these entities, specific procedures and rules must be followed.
- Notice of Claim — You must file a formal Notice of Claim with the agency within 90 days of the accident, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation for damages.
- The 50-h hearing — During this formal proceeding, you must answer a municipal lawyer’s questions under oath. Our mass transit accident attorneys prepare you for this process so you can answer with confidence.
- Shorter statute of limitations — Personal injury claims against transit authorities must typically be filed within one year and 90 days of the incident.
Dealing with legal issues involving public entitles can be intimidating. Our experienced Staten Island personal injury attorneys protect your rights and guide you through the process every step of the way.
Building Your Mass Transit Injury Case
Building a strong foundation for your case requires meticulous investigation, identifying liable parties, and developing convincing legal strategies.
Determining Liability
Establishing fault in a mass transit accident requires identifying every party whose negligence contributed to your injuries, which may include:
- Public transit authorities like the MTA or SIRTOA
- Mass transit drivers or operators
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers
- Maintenance contractors
- Cities or municipalities
- Other negligent motorists
Gathering Vital Evidence
Important evidence that can help prove your case includes:
- Camera footage — Video from inside vehicles, station security, and nearby traffic cameras can tell a compelling story.
- Event data recorders — Often called "black boxes," these devices provide data on speed, braking, and mechanical performance before impact.
- Incident reports — Official documentation of the accident from the police and the transit agency.
- Toxicology reports — Results from driver drug and alcohol testing can prove impairment at the time of the crash.
- Maintenance logs — Records that reveal if a vehicle or station was known to be unsafe.
- Witness statements — Accounts from other passengers or bystanders who saw the event.
Recovering Damages
Our personal injury lawyers may be able to recover compensation for damages such as:
- Past and future medical costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Wrongful death damages if you’ve lost a loved one in a transit accident
Steps to Take After a Mass Transit Crash
If you’re hurt in an accident, taking these steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Report the crash — Cal 911 and ensure the operator or station agent creates an official report.
- Document the scene — Take photos of your injuries and the surrounding area if possible.
- Seek medical care — Even if you feel fine, symptoms of serious injuries like TBI may not appear right away, so it’s important to visit the ER as soon as you can.
- Contact our mass transit accident lawyers — The sooner you seek the counsel of our Staten Island law firm, the sooner we can start preserving evidence and building your claim.
Why Choose Our Mass Transit Accident Attorneys in Staten Island?
After a mass transit accident, you need a legal team that understands the gravity of your situation. We stand by your side and handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing. Our team offers:
- Compassionate support — We treat every client like family and ensure you’re heard and supported throughout the entire legal process.
- Local insight — Our team understands the specific nuances of the Greater New York City area transit systems.
- Negotiation experience — We have a long history of negotiating with powerful insurance companies and government agencies to secure fair settlements.
- No upfront costs — We work on a contingency fee basis and offer free, no obligation consultations. We get paid only if we win your case, and legal costs are deducted from any settlement or award you receive.
- Successful outcomes — With more than $500 million recovered in settlements and verdicts for injured victims over the past 50 years, our client testimonials speak for themselves.
Contact a Mass Transit Accident Attorney Near You in Staten Island
At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, we’re dedicated to helping you find the justice and compensation you deserve after a transit accident. To schedule a free consultation with a mass transit accident attorney near you in Staten Island, NY,
contact us or call 718-987-8444. We serve clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mass Transit Accidents in New York
What if a third-party driver caused the mass transit crash?
If a motorist in another car or truck causes an accident, you may have claims against both the driver and transit agency. We help you pursue all potential sources of compensation.
How are camera videos preserved after mass transit crashes?
Footage from many transit cameras is overwritten every few days, so it’s important to act fast. Your personal injury attorney will immediately send preservation letters and file for subpoenas to ensure vital evidence isn’t lost.
Will I have to go to court for my mass transit injury case?
Many transit cases are settled during negotiations or after a hearing. However, if a fair settlement isn’t in the cards, our experienced trial lawyers are always prepared to protect your interests in court.