Free Consultation
Free Consultation
New Yorkers rely on trains for fast and easy service not just in the city, but also into the surrounding suburbs. The Metro North and Long Island Railroad, for example, provide travel service to students, workers, and families every day. When trains crash, injuries are possible and the safety of trains is uncertain. In these cases, an experienced Long Island Railroad accident attorney can ensure you receive full financial award.
On Saturday, October 8th, a commuter train and service train collided near New Hyde Park on the Long Island Railroad. Both trains were heading east into Long Island at around 9 pm when the service car hit the commuter train. The commuter train, carrying around 600 people, had large amounts of damage. At least two cars derailed, with around 33 injured people, with four reporting serious injuries. While seven of these people were employees, 26 were passengers. Additionally, the commuter train received deep scrapes in the steel along the sides of the cars. The single-car service train had damages as well, briefly catching fire after the incident. Commuter train passengers remained stuck for 40 minutes without air conditioning or light as first responders arrived to the scene.
At a news conference, Governor Andrew Cuomo expressed his relief that injuries were not more numerous or serious. This accident, along with the recent Hoboken crash that killed a woman, brings up serious train safety concerns. The Federal Railroad Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash along with the MTA. Politicians spoke as well, like Senator Chuck Schumer. He demanded cameras to record any negligent mistakes a conductor may make. These cameras would face and record the conductor. Ideally, these cameras will prevent dangerous behavior in the first place, and help investigators when accidents do occur.
MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast told reporters that a piece of equipment had crossed the space gap of the other track. This caused the commuter train’s walls to buckle and some chairs to dislodge. Prendergast said trains colliding into other objects is fairly common. Investigation is underway to understand why the accident occurred and what measures are necessary to prevent a similar train accident in the future.
If you have been in a train accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. To do so, contact an experienced Long Island Railroad accident attorney to represent you. You may be able to receive financial compensation for any medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering sustained. Injuries from a train incident can be serious, so receiving medical attention is a first priority. Employees injured on railroad work may also receive compensation for their injuries, under acts such as the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA). The right attorney is crucial in receiving the full compensation owed to you, so hire
a successful and experienced Long Island Railroad accident attorney. Contact us today at (718)364-4000.
About the Author:
Kiersten Klang is an Associate Legal Editor for www.lawyers24-7.com
