On December 1, 2013 at 5:54 a.m., the Metro-North Train from Poughkeepsie came to a screeching halt as its cars derailed from the tracks and passengers were thrown from their seats and even ejected from the train. The accident resulted in four fatalities and more than 60 injuries. Three of the four victims who died were thrown from the train after the windows blew out.
The Casualties
There were approximately 150 commuters on the train. A number of them suffered serious injuries, including broken bones and/or head and neck injuries, and four died. The MTA identified the four dead as Donna L. Smith, 54, of Newburgh; James G. Lovell, 58, of Cold Spring; James M. Ferrari, 59, of Montrose; and Ahn Kisook, 35, of Queens.
Although no monetary compensation can bring back a loved one or make your pain go away, it will allow you to continue with your healing process without having to worry about your financial situation.
Who Is Responsible For the Deadly Accident?
While the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, evidence suggests that the accident could have been due to negligence on the part of the driver, the MTA, or both. In fact, preliminary examinations from various sources including two event recorders indicate that the train went through the curve just ahead of the station at 82 mph, in a zone where the speed limit drops from 70 mph to 30 mph.
Regardless of who caused the accident, the victims and their family members may be entitled to money damages. Our experienced NY Accident Attorney can help you get the full compensation you are entitled to.
Our Experienced New York Train Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help!
Train accidents, such as this one, often involve some negligent or reckless actions by city or state officials. Our New York train accident attorneys have a successful track record in obtaining monetary compensation for victims against city or state officials. For instance, we were able to obtain an $18 million settlement against the city for the sole survivor of a 2006 car accident on the Bronx River Parkway. In another case, we obtained a $1 million settlement against the city for the victims of a train accident.
If you or a loved one was involved in the NY Metro-North Train Derailment from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central, please call us now for assistance at 800-529-9997. Our experienced train accident attorneys are currently investigating the circumstances of the accident and can help you through this difficult process.