Were you hurt as a passenger, pedestrian, or passerby by a Metropolitan Transportation Authority service? Our MTA accident lawyers can help. Our firm has years of experience helping injured New Yorkers in personal injury claims, including this $6,832,284 Bus Accident Settlement.
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Types of MTA Accidents
Understanding the MTA and Personal Injury Claims
Public transportation offers New Yorkers freedom and convenience. As the largest public transportation agency in North America, the MTA provides transportation in New York City, along the southeastern part of NY, and Connecticut. With millions of passengers every day, 665 miles of subway track, and several buses operating within the five boroughs, accidents can happen.
“The City” reported there were 234 reported incidents of people getting hit by trains, with 88 fatalities, in 2022, the most recent available numbers. Not all those incidents were caused by negligent MTA employees. But you should know that when someone employed by the MTA causes your injuries, you can take actions to protect yourself and your loved ones. We can help you secure compensation with a personal injury claim.
The MTA oversees multiple agencies that provide specified service throughout its area of operations. These agencies maintain commuter trains, subways, and buses throughout the MTA’s jurisdiction.
At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our skilled and knowledgeable MTA claim lawyers are ready to hear your story, investigate your case, and advise you of your legal options. We have decades of experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients in your position. We know what it takes to pursue compensation in an MTA claim and how to secure every dollar you deserve.
Contact us as soon as possible or call 212-490-5700 to schedule a free initial consultation
Examples of MTA Negligence in New York City
Because the MTA oversees trains and buses, there are many ways a negligent MTA employee can cause your injuries and, therefore, should be held responsible.
Drivers or operators could be unqualified, fatigued, distracted, or operating a vehicle while under the influence. They might have failed to inspect their vehicle properly, increasing the chance of equipment failure. They may be using a vehicle with defective parts, meaning the manufacturer could be held liable.
Not every case is the same, so knowing how you were injured will direct your attorney as you work to pursue a personal injury claim against those responsible for your damages.
How Personal Injury Claims Work the MTA
When pursuing a personal injury claim against a government body like the MTA, you should be aware that these procedures are different than other typical personal injury claims.
You’ll have 90 days to file a Notice of Claim, which announces to the MTA you’re choosing to pursue a claim against the agency or its subsidiaries. Without a claim, you could be disbarred from getting compensated for your damages.
This 90-day limit is different than the statute of limitations for an MTA personal injury claim. You’ll have one year and 90 days to file a lawsuit. Without a notice of claim, you can’t file a lawsuit.
Compensation Available for MTA Accident Injuries
The compensation you can recover after a personal injury accident with an MTA entity will depend on different factors, like the severity of your accident and if you share any of the blame for the accident.
You can pursue compensation for the economic and non-economic losses you experienced from your injuries. Your attorney can help you calculate what you’re owed.
Your economic losses can include the tangible losses incurred by the accident. That might include your current or future medical expenses, diminished earning potential, lost wages, or damaged property.
Non-economic losses are the intangible losses you experience because of the accident. These can be difficult to calculate because they do not have strict financial value. Your pain and suffering doesn’t come with a receipt, but you can be compensated for it after an accident. You can also pursue a settlement for your emotional damage, disfigurement, or loss of companionship.
If you are injured in a train or bus accident in New York, contact Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. right away. We will immediately begin the administrative claim process with the appropriate transportation agency. If the agency does not sufficiently resolve your claim, then we will pursue full and fair compensation for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
In either case, we will strive to ensure you are compensated for your:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced Earning Capacity
- Loss of Normal Life
Filing an MTA Lawsuit
If you’ve been hurt by an MTA train, subway, or bus, you need to follow the proper steps to ensure the best chance at a successful lawsuit. You won’t be able to immediately leap into a lawsuit against the transportation authority. As mentioned above, you have to start with a Notice of Claim.
Filing Your Notice of Claim
The Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the accident. It will include your name, address, the nature of your claim, your injuries, and the compensation you’re seeking. Your attorney can ensure your notice complies with New York General Municipal Law Section 50-E.
You will file your claim with the agency that oversees the entity that caused your accident. For instance, if the MTA bus company caused your injuries, you will file a claim with them. You can file a claim in person, through certified mail, or through the eClaim system. Our MTA Lawyers will help you file your claim.
Waiting for the MTA’s Response
Once you’ve filed your Notice of Claim, you’ll need to wait on the MTA’s response. If they agree to compensate you for your injuries, you can negotiate a settlement with them. However, if they do not respond, denies your claim, or refuses to settle the matter, you should discuss filing a lawsuit with your attorney.
It is imperative to have an experienced lawyer guide you through filing a lawsuit against an agency. New York Public Authority Law §1276 sets out several requirements for what is necessary to file suit. For example, you must wait at least 30 days after filing your Notice of Claim with the agency.
Like with filing Notice, there are many specific procedural rules you must follow for an MTA lawsuit. Our attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. will make sure your personal injury complaint is properly drafted and filed.
MTA Accident FAQs
What if I Don’t Think I Have a Case?
You should discuss your accident with a skilled personal injury attorney, like the MTA lawyers at HKD. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should protect your chance at compensation by talking to a lawyer and working on a Notice of Claim. We understand that some cases appear less severe than others, but we can offer you a free consultation — you won’t pay unless you win a settlement.
What Kind of Timeline do MTA Cases Have?
Like other cases against government bodies, your case could take longer than typical personal injury claims. There are backlogs, high volume of cases, and other factors that could interfere with your timeline. But by working with an experienced attorney, you can protect your compensation.
Can I Recover Compensation if I was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Even if it’s determined that you hold some blame for your injuries, you can recover compensation. The amount of your settlement will be adjusted by the amount of your fault.
Let an MTA Accident Lawyer Help You
Injury claims against the MTA or other transportation agencies in New York are complicated. You are forced to adhere to highly specific administrative processes and laws. When you are dealing with MTA bus or train accident injuries, you will likely not have the time or capacity to do everything yourself.
Instead, it is far safer and more effective to rely on the experienced and aggressive MTA lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.
To move forward with an MTA injury claim, contact us online right away or call 212-490-5700 to schedule your free, no-risk case consultation.
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09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
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08/11/2021
Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.
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06/22/2021
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04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
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03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
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02/25/2021
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02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
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02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
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01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
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01/19/2021
The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.
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01/18/2021
Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…
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01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
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01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
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01/06/2021
We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….
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Luljeta Chisolm, HKD CLIENT
12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
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Carter Martin, HKD CLIENT
12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
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12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
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12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
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Rene David Alkalay, HKD CLIENT
12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
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12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
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12/07/2020
Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!
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12/04/2020
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12/03/2020
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12/03/2020
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12/02/2020
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12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
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12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
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01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
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07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
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07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
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07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
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07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
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07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
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07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
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07/05/2015
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06/05/2019
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05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
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05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
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