With the recent Metro-North crash in the headlines, it’s a good time to think about what your legal options would be in the event of an accident. This case involved a fatal collision in Valhalla, New York in which an SUV driver was killed on February 3. It is likely that the victim’s family will file a wrongful death suit against Metro-North, and The Daily Mail reports that some 34 people are planning to sue as well, largely for claims of emotional distress resulting from the collision. An attorney representing the family states that the crossing where the accident occurred lacked signs and warning lights that could have prevented the collision if the driver had seen them. A spokesman from the state Department of Transportation had previously made a statement that the crossing would be upgraded based on the NTSB’s recommendations, but unfortunately the repairs were not made in time to stop the deadly accident.
Although they are tragic for the families involved, fatal accidents do sadly occur. Sometimes they are the result of negligence or human error—in cases like these, it is important for family members to seek justice through legal means.
How do I know if I have a case?
In the event of accidental injury, it is always important to seek legal counsel if you feel you or the injured party has been endangered through neglected facilities or improper signage, as is the case in the Metro-North collision. For example, there was evidence in the form of a NY DOT spokesperson’s statement that the crossing was in need of improvement, therefore a wrongful death claim could be made by the accident victim’s family.
If you feel that you or someone you know has been injured due to unsafe conditions or negligence, it is within your rights to seek compensation for lost wages or emotional distress incurred as a result of the accident.
What are the next steps?
Once it’s been established that you have an injury claim, it’s best to get in contact with a personal injury lawyer and discuss your available options. Often, claimants will seek a monetary settlement from the person or organization at fault for the injury or accidental death. Especially in the case of automobile accidents, it is important to seek legal recourse to compensate for any medical bills or insurance costs that you or a loved one may owe as a result of the collision.
When it comes to personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits, you have to be your own best advocate. Often that means seeking legal help to get the compensation you deserve. If you feel your injury claim is legitimate, don’t hesitate to contact the personal injury experts at Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein today for a consultation. Suffering an injury or experiencing the death of a loved one through someone else’s negligence is an isolating, nerve-wracking experience, but you don’t have to go it alone. Get the facts and plan your best course of action with a professional. Family members of the Metro-North crash victim reached out to AEE for legal guidance, and you can, too.