Public transportation is an integral part of New York City Life. The residents depend on it and so do the visitors. Whether it is a bus, train, or subway, public transportation is a convenient and cost effective way to get around town. Countless people rely on the New York City public transit to get them safely to where they need to go every day. Operators of buses, subways, and trains are required to be properly trained and operate their respective modes of transportation in a safe way. When these transportation systems fail to comply with the requisite regulations, people can be injured. If you have been injured in a New York City public transit accident, you may be entitled to full and fair compensation for your injuries.
What Are the Most Common Public Transit Injuries?
Public transit accidents can happen all over New York City for various reasons. Common public transit accidents can be the result of things like:
- Subway: derailment, operator error, sudden stops, slippery subway platforms, lack of maintenance, improper equipment installation, walkway obstructions
- Bus: motor vehicle accident, inclement weather, improper maintenance, mechanical error, potholes and other hazards at bus stops
- Taxi: dangerous driving, failure to observe traffic signals and signs, collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist, or even a stationary object.
- Train: driver negligence, train operator fatigue, mechanical failure, collision with another train, vehicle, or person, passenger assault
These are just a few of the accidents that can occur when you use public transit. The injuries you sustain in any of these accidents will greatly depend on the type of accident. Some of the most common public transit accident injuries include:
- Head injuries: An injury to the head is common in accidents where you may have slipped and hit your head. Head injuries can vary greatly from something moderate like a concussion all the way up to a very serious injury like a traumatic brain injury. Depending on the nature of your head injury, you could have lasting effects such as difficulty with walking and other motor skills. You may also experience some memory loss, changes in personality, and other cognitive issues. The length and success of your recovery will also depend on the severity of the head trauma you experienced.
- Spinal cord injuries: Trauma to the neck or spinal column can have serious and lasting consequences. Injury to your spinal cord can, in severe cases, result in paralysis. You may also experience loss of feeling or problems with motor control due to a spinal cord injury.
- Broken bones: You may have been bracing yourself for impact in a public transit accident and this can not only result in a sprain or strain, but may result in a broken bone. It may be a clean break in an arm, leg, rib, hip, or other bone. Different types of fractures can occur. You may sustain a spiral fracture or a compound fracture or an open fracture.
- Burns, cuts, and skin abrasions are also common injuries seen in public transit accident victims.
Trusted Legal Counsel for Public Transit Accident Victims
When public transit authorities and employees are negligent in their duties to the passengers, people get hurt. If you have been injured in a public transit accident, contact Katter Law Firm. We will fight for you. Contact us today.