Subway systems are a vital part of transportation in major cities like New York. Millions of passengers rely on trains every day to commute to work, attend school, and travel across the city. While subways are generally safe, collisions can and do occur. When they happen, the injuries can be severe and life-altering.
Understanding the most common injuries in subway collisions can help passengers recognize the seriousness of these accidents and understand their legal rights. When collisions are caused by negligence, such as operator error, equipment failure, or poor maintenance, injured passengers may be entitled to compensation.
At The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, Michael “The Bull” Lamonsoff and his legal team aggressively represent victims of subway and railway accidents throughout New York City. With more than $500 million recovered in verdicts and settlements, the firm has extensive experience holding transit authorities and negligent parties accountable.
Why Subway Collisions Can Cause Serious Injuries
Subway collisions often happen suddenly and without warning. Passengers may be standing, walking through train cars, or holding onto poles when an impact occurs. When a train collides with another train, a barrier, or infrastructure, the sudden force can throw passengers violently against hard surfaces.
Unlike cars, subway trains carry hundreds of passengers at once. This means that a single collision can cause injuries to many people simultaneously.
Common factors that increase injury severity include:
- Sudden deceleration
- Limited safety restraints for passengers
- Crowded train cars
- Metal poles, seats, and walls inside train cars
These conditions can lead to a wide range of injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
One of the most serious injuries seen in subway collisions is traumatic brain injury (TBI). When passengers are thrown forward during a crash, their heads may strike poles, seats, windows, or other passengers.
Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or vomiting
In severe cases, brain injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairment or permanent disability. Even mild concussions should be taken seriously and evaluated by medical professionals.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The sudden force of a subway collision can also damage the spine. Passengers who fall or twist during impact may suffer injuries such as:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal fractures
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord trauma
Serious spinal injuries may cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, or paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Fractures are extremely common in subway collisions because passengers may be thrown onto the floor or into surrounding structures.
Common broken bones include:
- Wrist fractures from trying to break a fall
- Broken arms
- Leg fractures
- Hip fractures
- Rib fractures
Some fractures require surgery and months of recovery time, especially when they involve weight-bearing bones such as the hips or legs.
Neck Injuries and Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in many types of transportation accidents, including subway collisions. It occurs when the neck rapidly moves back and forth due to sudden force.
Symptoms of whiplash may include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Limited range of motion
Although whiplash may seem minor at first, some victims experience long-term pain and mobility issues.
Internal Injuries
The impact of a subway collision can cause serious internal injuries that may not be immediately visible. These injuries can include:
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Lung injuries
- Abdominal trauma
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because symptoms may not appear right away. Immediate medical evaluation after a subway accident is essential.
Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries
Passengers may suffer cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries when they are thrown against metal surfaces, broken glass, or other passengers.
Soft tissue injuries include:
- Torn ligaments
- Muscle strains
- Deep bruising
- Facial cuts and scarring
While these injuries may not always require surgery, they can still cause significant pain and long-term complications.
Psychological Trauma
Not all subway collision injuries are physical. Many victims experience psychological effects following a traumatic event.
Common psychological injuries include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fear of public transportation
Emotional trauma can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and may require therapy or counseling.
What Causes Subway Collisions?
Subway collisions can occur for many reasons, including:
- Operator error
- Signal failures
- Defective train equipment
- Poor track maintenance
- Communication failures between control centers and train operators
Investigating the cause of a subway collision is essential for determining liability and pursuing compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Subway Collision?
Several parties may be responsible for injuries resulting from a subway collision, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
- Private contractors responsible for maintenance
- Train or equipment manufacturers
- Signal system providers
When negligence plays a role, injured passengers may have the right to pursue financial compensation.
Compensation for Subway Collision Injuries
Victims of subway collisions may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages.
Possible compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
However, claims involving public transit authorities often involve strict legal deadlines and procedural requirements.
Why Hiring an Experienced Subway Accident Lawyer Matters
Subway accident cases can be complex. Claims against public entities like the MTA often require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Missing this deadline can prevent victims from pursuing compensation.
Michael “The Bull” Lamonsoff has assembled a team of aggressive attorneys with more than 150 years of combined litigation experience. The firm prepares every case as if it is going to trial, a strategy that often leads to stronger settlements.
Insurance companies and transit authorities know that when The Bull is involved, cases are taken seriously.
Contact The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a subway collision in New York City, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Acting quickly can help preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. The team at The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff is ready to fight for you.
Call today for a free consultation. You’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re putting your case in the hands of a fighter. You’re hiring The Bull.
