NYC Train Accident Attorneys
Over 40 years of experience representing train passengers injured in MTA, Metro-North, LIRR, NJ Transit, and Amtrak accidents. Free consultation available 24/7.
Protecting Train Passengers' Rights in New York
Millions of New Yorkers rely on trains every day - MTA subway and commuter trains, Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), NJ Transit, and Amtrak. While train travel is generally safe, when accidents occur, they often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and speed of trains. Train accidents include derailments, collisions, platform accidents, grade crossing accidents, and passenger injuries inside train cars.
At Licatesi Law Group, we have over 40 years of experience representing train accident victims. We understand the complex legal landscape of railroad accidents, including strict government filing deadlines, federal railroad regulations, and common carrier duties. Our attorneys fight aggressively to hold negligent railroad operators, engineers, and maintenance companies accountable and recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Common Causes of Train Accidents in NYC
Operator Error & Negligence
- Excessive speed causing derailments
- Failure to follow signals and stop warnings
- Engineer fatigue and distraction
- Improper switching and track changes
- Inadequate engineer training
Equipment & Track Defects
- Brake system failures
- Broken or misaligned tracks
- Signal and communication system malfunctions
- Poor track maintenance and inspections
- Defective train components
NYC Train Safety & Notable Accidents
NYC Train System Statistics
Daily MTA subway and commuter rail riders
Miles of railroad track (Metro-North, LIRR)
Train accidents annually in NY/NJ (FRA data)
Deadline to file Notice of Claim against MTA, Metro-North, LIRR
Notable NYC/Regional Train Accidents
- 2013 Metro-North Spuyten Duyvil Derailment
4 killed, 61 injured - excessive speed (82 mph in 30 mph curve)
- 2016 NJ Transit Hoboken Crash
1 killed, 114 injured - train failed to stop at terminal
- 2015 Amtrak 188 Philadelphia Derailment
8 killed, 200+ injured - excessive speed (106 mph in 50 mph curve)
- 2017 LIRR Atlantic Terminal Crash
100+ injured - train overran bumper block
Common factors in major accidents: Excessive speed, engineer error, inadequate Positive Train Control (PTC), poor maintenance, and deferred infrastructure repairs.
Common Train Accident Injuries
Train accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to massive forces involved:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
From sudden impacts, derailments, or being thrown inside train cars.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis, herniated discs from violent collisions and derailments.
Crush Injuries
From train car collisions, platform gaps, or grade crossing accidents.
CRITICAL: 90-Day Notice of Claim Deadline
If injured on MTA, Metro-North, or LIRR trains, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days or permanently lose your right to sue. This strict deadline applies even if you're still hospitalized. Notice requirements include:
Government Railroads (90 Days)
- MTA (NYC Subway): 90-day Notice of Claim
- Metro-North: 90-day Notice of Claim
- LIRR: 90-day Notice of Claim
- NJ Transit: 90-day Notice of Tort Claim
Private Railroads (Longer Deadlines)
- Amtrak: 2 years (FELA for employees), 3 years (passengers)
- Freight Railroads: 3 years generally
Late Notice Petitions: If you miss the 90-day deadline, you can petition the court for permission to file late, but success is not guaranteed. Don't risk it - contact an attorney immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Our NYC Train Accident Lawyers Today
Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Immediate response to meet 90-day deadlines.