Public Transit Accident Lawyer New York County, NY

If you were injured in a public transit accident in Manhattan—on a bus, subway, commuter rail, or paratransit vehicle—you need to understand your rights and the deadlines that apply. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is a multi-state firm that represents people hurt in transit-related collisions. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, and his Of Counsel have experience handling personal injury claims arising from public transit incidents. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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What a Public Transit Accident Claim Means in New York County (Manhattan)

New York County—encompassing Manhattan—has the most extensive and heavily used public transportation network in the United States. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York City Transit, the Port Authority, regional bus lines, and private transit operators all move millions of passengers each day. When an accident occurs, the legal framework can be complex because government entities, common carriers, and private contractors may all bear responsibility.

Personal injury claims arising from a public transit accident in Manhattan are filed in the New York Supreme Court, New York County (located at 60 Centre Street). The court has unlimited jurisdiction over civil matters, and no monetary cap applies to damages. Because New York follows a “pure comparative fault” rule, an injured person may recover damages even if partly responsible, though the recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them.

A personal injury claim in New York must be filed within three years from the date of injury.

Source: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). New York Civil Practice Law and Rules

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

A wrongful death action in New York must be commenced within two years from the date of death.

Source: N.Y. E.P.T.L. § 5-4.1. Estates, Powers and Trusts Law

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

When a claim involves a New York municipality or public authority, a Notice of Claim must be served within 90 days after the claim arises.

Source: N.Y. Gen. Mun. Law § 50-e. General Municipal Law

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

Transit accidents in Manhattan often involve multiple layers of insurance and strict procedural requirements. For example, the MTA and its subsidiary agencies must be served with a Notice of Claim within the 90‑day window. Missing that deadline can bar the entire claim. An experienced attorney can help preserve evidence, identify the correct parties, and navigate the procedural hurdles unique to transit‑related injuries.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Public Transit Accident Cases in New York County

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. takes a thorough approach to public transit injury claims. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by gathering and preserving all available evidence—accident reports, surveillance footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and medical documentation. Because many transit collisions are captured on agency cameras or private security systems, speed is essential. The firm works quickly to request that records be preserved before they are overwritten or discarded.

The legal team evaluates each case under New York’s comparative fault standard and the “serious injury” threshold that applies to motor vehicle accidents under Insurance Law § 5102. While that threshold is most often discussed in car‑accident cases, it can be relevant when a transit bus is involved. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also analyze potential sources of recovery—whether from the transit operator’s liability insurance, an uninsured motorist policy, or private insurance coverage—and pursue appropriate settlement negotiations or litigation. Because the firm has attorneys admitted in New York and four other jurisdictions, it can address cross‑state complications if an accident involves a victim who resides elsewhere or an out‑of‑state carrier.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor. He has practiced since 1997 and is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm serves clients throughout Manhattan—Midtown, Lower Manhattan, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, the East Village, the Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood. Meetings are by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a public transit accident claim in New York County?

You generally have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. However, if a public entity is involved, a Notice of Claim must be served within 90 days. Missing that deadline can permanently bar your claim. The exact deadlines depend on the facts of your case and the parties involved, so prompt consultation with a lawyer is critical.

What should I do immediately after a public transit accident in Manhattan?

Seek medical attention, report the accident to the transit operator, and document as much as you can. If you are able, take photographs of the scene, the vehicle, and your injuries; gather contact information for witnesses; and keep all medical records and receipts. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney. Evidence can disappear quickly, especially on public transit property.

Who can be held responsible for a subway or bus accident in New York County?

The responsible parties may include the transit agency, the driver or operator, a maintenance contractor, or a manufacturer. In Manhattan, the MTA and its subsidiaries are frequent defendants, but private bus lines, shuttle operators, and even other motorists can share liability. An investigation often reveals multiple contributing factors, and the firm works to identify every avenue of recovery.

How does New York’s comparative fault rule affect my transit accident claim?

Under New York’s pure comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. Even if you were partly to blame, you may still recover compensation for your injuries, but your total damages award will be lowered proportionally. The calculation can become complex when multiple defendants are involved; experienced counsel can help you present the strong case.

What damages can I recover after a public transit injury in New York County?

You may recover economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering. New York does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. In motor‑vehicle‑related accidents, however, you must meet the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102 to claim non-economic damages. Each case is different; a thorough evaluation is necessary to estimate what your claim may be worth.

Do I need a lawyer for a public transit accident claim in Manhattan?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, the procedural rules and the number of potential responsible parties make legal representation advisable. Government claims, Notice of Claim deadlines, and multi‑party litigation are challenging to navigate alone. An attorney can handle the investigation, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, try the case in the New York Supreme Court.

How does Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Charge for a transit accident case?

The firm typically handles personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney’s fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you. The specific percentage will be discussed during your consultation. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to talk about your case and the fee arrangement.

For more information about personal injury representation in other New York counties, see:

You may also visit the firm’s New York personal injury practice page for an overview of services.

For primary-source information, consult the New York County Supreme Court and the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.