Every time you ride the subway, you don’t only risk being late – you also risk getting hurt. Subway accidents are far more common than most people realize, and they can have devastating consequences. Although victims may be entitled to compensation, the success of your personal injury claim may depend on your actions immediately after the accident. Following the guide below will increase your chances of receiving a fair outcome. 

Steps to Take Following a Subway Accident

While Still at the Scene 

If you’re physically able to do so, photograph the scene of the accident before leaving. It is also wise to obtain the names and contact information of the other subway passengers and to gather the names and badge numbers of all responding officers and medical personnel. Your personal injury attorney will want to obtain eyewitness testimony from the other passengers, and having the officers’ information will make it easier to secure copies of the police report. 

In the Days & Weeks to Follow

Your first priority following a subway accident should be your health. Victims who don’t receive emergency care at the scene should visit a doctor as soon as possible for a thorough exam. Even if you feel relatively fine, you could have sustained an impact injury that has latent symptoms. The symptoms of whiplash often take 24 hours to appear, for example, while internal bleeding may not become apparent for several days. Without immediate treatment for either, though, serious complications may arise. 

Once your health has stabilized, it’s wise to call a lawyer. In the state of New York, injured parties have just 90 days to file a notice of claim against a government entity. Determining which entity is responsible for public transportation accidents and how to file can be complicated, but an attorney will help you. You must act fast or you’ll lose the chance to pursue the compensation you deserve. If the entity offers to settle, an attorney will also help you decide if the settlement is fair or if you should proceed to file a lawsuit. 

If you were hurt in a subway accident, turn to Stephen B. Kaufman, P.C. This personal injury attorney has been representing innocent accident victims from his office in the Bronx, NY, for more than four decades. He’ll challenge insurance adjusters, major corporations, and government entities to pursue justice for his clients. To explore all the legal services he provides, visit his website. Call (718) 822-0500 to schedule a case evaluation.