New York City Subway accidents

Subway accidents can occur despite attempts to make everyone's ride as safe as possible. Generally, subway accidents happen when a traveler trips, falls, or slips on the stairway because they are in a hurry. To avoid an accident, hold the handrail and slow down. Although this may seem like common sense, this simple tip may prevent a subway accident from happening in the first place.

If you are trying to catch a train when it's not rush hour, there are a few things you can do on the platform to ensure your safety. Many times, trains are shorter if it is not rush hour because they do not have to carry as many passengers. If this is the case, wait for the train at the center of the platform if you can. This will prevent you from having to rush to an open door, reducing the likelihood that your arm, purse, or bag, would get caught in a closing door. Unlike elevator doors, subway train doors do not reopen automatically if something is wedged between them.

As you wait for the subway to arrive, stand back from the platform edge. The safe distance from the edge is usually marked by a certain color, such as yellow or red. Also, always make sure you stay off of the train tracks because they contain 600 volts of live electricity at any given time. Once you board the train and it begins to move, be sure to hang on if you are standing and never ride between cars or lean against the doors while it is moving.

Most subway accidents are preventable if the passenger stays alert and aware of their surroundings, but some can be attributed to the lack of maintenance of the station or the train. In these instances, legal action should be pursued to compensate the victim for their injuries.