Common Causes of Mass Transit Accidents in New York City – Who Is Liable?


New York City’s extensive public transportation system serves millions of residents and visitors every day, but accidents on these systems create serious injuries for passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. Manhattan mass transit accident lawyers regularly represent victims who must wade through the complicated liability issues that arise from these incidents.

MTA Bus Accidents

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates thousands of buses throughout the five boroughs. These vehicles become involved in accidents due to several factors:

  • Driver Fatigue – Long hours, back-to-back shifts, and unpredictable schedules leave some bus operators exhausted behind the wheel. 
  • Inadequate Training – Not every driver gets the preparation they need to handle New York’s dense traffic, tight turns, and heavy pedestrian flow. 
  • Distracted Driving – Bus drivers face numerous distractions, including passenger interactions, route management, and personal devices.
  • Mechanical Failures – Poor maintenance practices contribute to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other dangerous mechanical issues.
  • Weather Conditions – Rain, snow, and ice make safe bus operation more difficult, especially on crowded city streets.

Subway Incidents

The subway system brings its own set of safety concerns:

  • Train Derailments – Broken tracks, signal problems, or operator mistakes can cause trains to derail.
  • Door Malfunctions – Subway doors that close too fast or fail to sense an obstruction can trap arms, bags, or bodies, sometimes with serious consequences.
  • Station Hazards – Dim lighting, cracked flooring, and unclear signs make slips, trips, and falls more likely throughout the station.

Liability in Mass Transit Accidents

Figuring out who’s responsible for a public transit accident isn’t always simple:

  • Government Agencies – The MTA and New York City Transit Authority run the system, but since they’re public benefit corporations, filing a claim involves extra steps and tight deadlines.
  • Private Contractors – Outside companies often handle repairs, inspections, and day-to-day operations. When they cut corners, they can be held accountable.
  • Other Drivers – If a crash involves a private vehicle, like a car running a red light into a bus, liability may be shared.

Special Legal Considerations

Mass transit accidents create unique legal challenges beyond standard injury cases. Victims must file formal notice within 90 days – a timeline that cuts much shorter than typical deadlines. Failure to meet this deadline will end claims regardless of injury severity.

Single transit accidents often harm multiple victims, which complicates settlement negotiations. This circumstance requires strategic legal tactics to maximize recovery for each person.

The Path Forward

Public transit is built to keep the city moving. When it fails, people get hurt. Jaroslawicz & Jaros provides experienced representation to help accident victims secure the compensation needed for recovery. Our Manhattan mass transit accident lawyers know how to cut through red tape and hold the right parties accountable. Reach out to us today to discuss your path forward.



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