What to Know About Filing a Claim After a Public Transportation Accident in NYC

Riding public transportation in New York City is part of everyday life for millions of people. Subways, buses, and trains keep the city moving and make it easier to get where you need to go. Most days, everything runs smoothly—but accidents do happen.

If you’ve been injured while riding public transportation in NYC, you may be wondering what to do next. Medical bills, time away from work, and the stress of recovery can feel overwhelming. Filing a claim can help, but the process is a little different from a regular car accident case. Here’s what you need to know and why having an attorney on your side can make a big difference.

1. Understanding Who Is Responsible

When an accident happens on public transportation, figuring out who is responsible isn’t always simple. Depending on the situation, the New York City Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), or another agency might be involved. Sometimes, private companies or even individual drivers are part of the case.

An attorney can help you sort out who is responsible for your injuries. This is an important first step, because it determines who your claim should be filed against and how the process will move forward.

2. Short Deadlines for Filing a Claim

One of the biggest differences in public transportation cases is the timeline. In New York, if you’re filing a claim against a government agency like the MTA, you must submit a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. If you miss this step, you could lose the chance to recover any compensation.

After that, you have one year and 90 days to file a lawsuit. These deadlines are strict, which is why it’s important to act quickly and talk with an attorney as soon as possible.

3. What You Can Be Compensated For

If you were hurt in a subway, bus, or train accident, you may be able to recover money for:

• Medical bills (both current and future treatment)

• Lost wages if you missed work

• Reduced earning ability if you can’t work the same way as before

• Pain and suffering

• Costs related to long-term care or therapy

  
  

Every case is different, but an attorney can review your situation and help estimate what your claim may be worth.

4. Building a Strong Case

Public transportation accidents can happen for many reasons—slippery platforms, sudden stops, driver mistakes, equipment problems, or even unsafe conditions inside a station. Proving what happened and how it caused your injuries takes time and effort.

A lawyer will collect evidence such as accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical records. Having this information ready makes your case stronger and improves your chances of getting a fair settlement.

5. Dealing With Big Agencies Can Be Tough

Government agencies and large transit organizations have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. It can feel intimidating to go up against them on your own.

That’s where having your own attorney makes a difference. They know how to handle negotiations, push back against low settlement offers, and stand up for your rights. With legal support, you won’t have to face these powerful organizations alone.

6. Why Having a Lawyer Helps Reduce Stress

Recovering from an accident takes a lot of energy—physically and emotionally. Trying to file paperwork, meet deadlines, and argue with insurance companies or transit agencies can add extra stress at the worst possible time.

When you hire an attorney, they take care of the details for you. From filing the Notice of Claim on time to negotiating for fair compensation, your lawyer makes sure everything is handled properly so you can focus on healing.

7. You Don’t Pay Unless You Win

Worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer? The good news is that most accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case, and their fee comes out of the settlement—not from your pocket upfront.

This makes it possible to get professional help without adding more financial stress.

Final Thoughts

Accidents on public transportation in New York City can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Between strict deadlines, confusing rules, and large agencies involved, these cases are often more complex than regular car accidents. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.

With the right lawyer by your side, you’ll have someone who understands the system and knows how to fight for your rights. They can help you file your claim correctly, build a strong case, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been hurt while riding the subway, bus, or train, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to a Mahopac NY Car Accident Attorney today to talk about your options and take the first step toward recovery.