It was a typical rush hour morning on Wednesday, when a Long Island train full of passengers crashed into the end of a platform as it was pulling into one of New York’s busiest stations: the Atlantic Terminal. The front portion of the train apparently hit a bumping block while going above 10 mph (in a 5 mph zone), causing the train to derail and smash into a small structure. Passengers were hurled onto the floor and into each other.
After the 8:30 a.m. train crash, there were 103 riders that were treated for injuries sustained. While many injuries appeared to be minor, some individuals were removed on stretchers with more serious injuries. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.
Investigators were dispatched by The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to thoroughly investigate the scene of the crash in order to determine what caused the train accident. Jim Southworth, a NTSB investigator stated that it will take between three to seven days before they can truly determine what caused it.
The drug testing results of the train’s 50-year-old engineer is still unknown. The operator stated that he has no memory of the crash that derailed its two front cars, filled the station with smoke, and injured 103 individuals. The operator does remember entering into the station with controlled speed, but next thing he realizes was post collision. The train apparently had fluctuating speed before crashing, which would suggest the possibility of sleep apnea or some other form of human error.
Who is Responsible?
While many are quick to point the finger at the train’s operator for being responsible, here’s a general review of all parties that may potentially be responsible for when a train accident occurs:
- Train operator
- Train personnel
- Train manufacturers
- Train line owners
- Government agencies
Fault can be placed on any one or more of these parties more clearly after the cause of the accident is determined. The cause of train accidents could be due to improper speeds, engine failure, broken tracks or operator/human error.
Legal Help After a New York Train Accident
After being hurt in a train accident, the most important thing is your well-being. Get the medical attention you need to start recovering. The next step (which is just as important) is to find a high quality New York train accident lawyer that has a proven track record of winning record breaking settlement and verdicts for injured clients. Start your case on the right foot with The Case Handler by scheduling a no-cost consultation today at 929-223-4195.
