N.Y. Subway Accident Serves as Warning for All Those Who Use Public Transportation

A New York man was recently dragged into a subway tunnel after a train caught hold of his clothing, according to a report from The Washington Post. The New York Police Department is investigating to determine the exact cause of the accident, which occurred on Feb. 19 at the Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.

At the time of the incident, the platform did not appear to be crowded, according to an official from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. There was a delay in MTA service as officials worked to stabilize the situation and manage the related mechanical issues. Later found with significant and fatal injuries, the victim was identified as a 39-year-old man, but no other information was provided to the public.

The tragic accident serves as a reminder that while public transportation allows people to move around efficiently, it also can pose serious safety risks. The New York Times reported that in 2016, nearly 50 people died in commuter train accidents.

Beware of Potential Hazards on Public Transportation

In Chicago, there were 230.2 million rides on Chicago Transit Authority trains in 2017 alone, according to the CTA’s Annual Ridership Report.

With so many people traveling, accidents will happen, but riders should be aware of specific hazards they may face, including:

• Boarding and Disembarking: Many accidents occur during the loading process. Whether you are getting on or off, slipping into the gap between the platform and the train can leave commuters with significant lacerations, bruising, swelling, broken bones, and other severe injuries. In worst case scenarios, passengers have become stuck between the platform and train in the moments before the train begins moving.
• Slipping: When conditions are icy or wet, the CTA is supposed to sand and de-ice areas with foot traffic. When these services aren’t performed on the platforms, trains, or stairs, it could lead to serious, potentially fatal, injuries.
• Stairs: The stairs leading to and from train platforms need to be kept in good condition for commuters. If a staircase or safety railing is not maintained and kept in suitable condition, it could be the source of serious or even fatal injury for the people who use it.

What Should You Do If You Are Injured on Public Transportation?

If you are hurt while riding, boarding, or disembarking a train, or if you are injured in a station or on a platform, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself. If you are able, take action as soon as possible:

• Document the accident. If possible, take pictures of the conditions that led to your injury as well as your injuries themselves immediately following the accident. Hold onto hospital bills and insurance statements related to your treatment.
• Identify witnesses. If other commuters saw the accident occur, ask if they would be willing to share their contact information with you.
• Notify the CTA. If you were hurt, report your accident and injury to the CTA as soon as you can. This allows operators to address the unsafe area as quickly as possible, in addition to collecting a report on your injury.
• Call an experienced Chicago train accident lawyer. If the CTA had taken the necessary safety precautions to protect riders, the accident might have never happened. A lawyer can determine whether negligence on the part of the CTA was the cause of your accident and hold them accountable.

Call Our Chicago Law Firm for Trusted Legal Advice

The experienced team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard understands the risks Chicago commuters face, and we know how particularly devastating train accidents can be. Our team has extensive experience helping injured commuters get the full and fair compensation they deserve if they’ve been hurt due to negligence, so call us for help right away.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by calling us at (312) 372-1227.