With almost 1,000 people aboard the subway, the cars began shuddering, sparks were flying, and the subway came off the rails underneath Queens Boulevard. In the hot and dimly lit atmosphere, the result cloud of dust caused many passengers to fear there was smoke. Rescuers arrived and were able to assist riders through side and back doors; the six cars that derailed did not overturn, and the front and rear cars stayed on the tracks. Nineteen people were injured in the accident, four of whom were listed in serious condition due to complaints that included chest pain. Most people sustained only minor injuries.

This accident occurred last week, on May 2, 2014, and the investigations continue. No definitive cause has been issued, but preliminary assessments indicate that there could be issues with the tracks, tracks that are no older than 30 years. This derailment is just one of several recent accidents that have involved the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and this is in fact the worst one yet for the New York City Transit in about the past decade. In September 2005, seventeen people sustained injuries in a subway derailment.

While thankfully, the damage incurred in this accident appears to be minimal, something from which everyone will achieve full recovery at least, these are injuries that can leave people with medical bills, force them to take time off worth, and make them struggle with other financial losses they did nothing to incur. They are also left with traumatic memories. In accidents such as these, the innocent victims may be entitled to compensation to cover these losses. This is particularly evident in cases where an operator or transportation is at fault for the accident.

If you were harmed in a transportation accident, talk to a personal injury lawyer today to see if you have a case.