In the United States, nearly 1,000 people are killed every year due to train-related accidents, with over 8,000 of those resulting in nonfatal injuries. Some train derailments can lead to toxic chemical spills, which cause damage to personal property and necessitate the evacuation of local residents. Train accidents are extremely tragic and devastating, so Levitsky Law Firm is here to help and fight for your claims.

What Types of Train Accidents Are Covered?

In 2013, a train conductor, with an undiagnosed sleep disorder, derailed a train on its way to New York City through the Bronx, killing four passengers and injuring 67 others. The fact is that many train accidents can occur for any number of reasons involving passengers and non-passengers.

Accidents may include:

  • Accidents at railroad crossings
  • Collisions with motor vehicles
  • Collisions with other trains
  • Collisions with pedestrians
  • Derailments
  • Distracted train operators
  • Elevated tracks
  • Mechanical failures
  • Unreliable infrastructure

Common Accidents and Injuries

Train accidents are responsible for countless types of injuries, for example, broken bones, lost limbs, back and neck injuries, spinal cord damage, tissue damage, brain injuries, paralysis, and even death. Our experienced New York Train Accident Injury Attorney is here to defend your claims and get you the money you need so that you can recover as quickly as possible.

What Are the Types of Claims You Can Make?

Our New York Personal Injury Attorneys will ensure you are entitled to the claims you deserve. At Levitsky Law Firm, our legal professionals will handle major insurance companies, so you do not have to. With our staggeringly high success rate, our team will see that insurance claims are paid out in full compensation to the policyholder.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

Contact our New York Train Accident Attorney for immediate consultation if you have been involved in a train accident.

The Levitsky Law Firm will provide a full review and consultation of your case to determine the best path forward. We will assist you in recovering the monetary compensation that you deserve for your medical bills, pain, suffering, and loss of present and future wages.

What Usually Causes Train Accidents in New York?

A single factor rarely causes train-related incidents in New York City. They often result from equipment failure, operator fatigue, miscommunication, or poor track maintenance. The city’s rail systems’ fast pace and density can worsen these problems, especially during rush hours or service changes.

A train accident lawyer often finds that liability stems from preventable hazards. In some cases, signals malfunction or tracks shift due to weather or lack of upkeep. In other cases, an engineer may work long hours with little rest, increasing the likelihood of human error. These dangers are intensified when multiple parties manage equipment, tracks, or operations.

Who Is Legally Responsible After a Train Crash?

Identifying who is responsible for a train accident can take time. Multiple entities—private companies, contractors, or public transportation agencies—may have played a role in what happened.

Commonly liable parties include:

  • Transit authorities (like the MTA or Amtrak)
  • Equipment manufacturers or maintenance vendors
  • Contractors responsible for rail or signal upkeep

A qualified New York train accident attorney will work to uncover where protocols failed and how those failures contributed to the harm. Even if more than one party shares responsibility, each can be held accountable for their part under New York law.

Types of Injuries and the Cost of Recovery

People involved in train accidents often suffer injuries that go far beyond surface wounds. Many are left with permanent limitations or require long-term medical care. Some clients come to our firm with fractures, spinal cord damage, head trauma, or injuries that require surgical intervention.

Beyond the physical recovery, victims also face emotional and financial strain. They may be out of work for extended periods and dealing with anxiety, memory loss, or PTSD. In such cases, a Brooklyn train accident attorney helps ensure the legal claim reflects present and future needs. That includes lost wages, ongoing medical expenses, and the toll the injury has taken on day-to-day life.

How Legal Help Can Make a Difference

After a train-related injury, victims are often met with confusing claims processes or low settlement offers. These are rarely in the injured party’s favor. Legal guidance can level the playing field, especially when public agencies are involved and strict deadlines apply.

A train accident attorney can:

  • Gather key documentation while records are still accessible
  • Handle all communication with the insurance companies
  • Ensure filings are submitted properly and within required deadlines

This support ensures no important detail is missed, especially when the outcome may affect future medical needs and long-term financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a train accident injury?
Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Then, document what happened, take photos if possible, and avoid speaking with insurance companies until you’ve consulted with legal counsel.

How long must I file a claim against a public transit agency in New York?
Strict deadlines often apply in cases involving public transportation systems. Speaking with a lawyer promptly is essential to avoid missing steps that could affect your right to compensation.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your share of fault.

Areas We Represent Across the City and Beyond

Our firm assists clients throughout New York City who have been injured in train-related incidents. We’re committed to helping individuals and families in both boroughs and surrounding counties.

We regularly serve clients in:

  • Brooklyn
  • Manhattan
  • Queens
  • The Bronx
  • Staten Island
  • Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Whether your accident happened on a subway, commuter rail, or railroad crossing, the Levitsky Law Firm is prepared to guide you through the legal process.

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