The Perecman Firm
The New York train derailment accident should make lawmakers think twice before extending the deferral deadline.
New York, NY (PRWEB) December 10, 2013
Personal injury lawyer David Perecman, founder of The Perecman Firm, urges commuter rail systems across the country, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to install a federally mandated safety system designed to prevent train accidents, like the Metro-North commuter train derailment that killed four people and injured more than 60. The train left the track after taking a sharp curve at 82 mph, said the Chicago Tribune (12.4.13).
According to the Chicago Tribune, a National Transportation Safety Board official said a safety system, known as positive train control or PTC, might have been able to prevent the New York train accident. The technology is designed to automatically stop or slow a train before certain accidents occur, such as derailments caused by excessive speed. PTC uses GPS, on-board wireless radios, and computers to automatically stop or slow a train. The system can override action or inaction by an engineer.
In 2008, Congress ordered U.S. railroads to install the "fail-safe" system on certain rail lines used to transport hazardous materials and passengers by the end of 2015. The high cost and complex technology involved caused many railroads to lobby for an extension, said the Chicago Tribune.
The MTA is one of the railroad entities seeking an extension on the deadline, said The Perecman Firm.
“The New York train derailment accident should make lawmakers think twice before extending the deferral deadline,” said New York personal injury lawyer Perecman. “With PTC, the tragedy might not have happened.”
Since 2004, it is estimated that PTC could have “prevented or mitigated more than 20 train accidents that took 57 lives, injured at least 1,000 and caused millions of dollars in damages,” the Chicago Tribune said.
Installing PTC on approximately 60,000 miles of track and 18,000 locomotives will cost at least $13.2 billion, reported the Chicago Tribune.
“Installing PTC is a critical step towards saving lives by reducing human error. The lives of individuals are too important to postpone adding the technology,” said Perecman.
The Perecman Firm handles serious train and other vehicular accident cases throughout New York. The firm’s personal injury lawyers know how to use New York negligence laws to each client’s advantage. When fatalities occur, a wrongful death lawsuit would be filed on behalf of the family of the deceased individual.
The Chicago Tribune story cited is “Deadly N.Y. train crash may boost 'fail-safe' system.”
If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury due to the recklessness or negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. To find out more about monetary damages related to an injury, contact The Perecman Firm at 212-977-7033.
About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC:
For the past 30 years, the New York personal injury, medical malpractice, construction accident, civil rights violation, and auto accident lawyers at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have handled all types of vehicular accident cases. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, has been recognized for his achievements as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010. The prestigious U.S. News & World Report ranks The Perecman Firm among the top 20 personal injury firms in New York City for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.
The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict** for a construction accident (Index 112370/03) Supreme Court, New York County, a $5.35 million dollar verdict*** for an automobile accident (Index 2749/04) Supreme Court, Kings County, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice (Index 2146/03)****Supreme Court, Kings County.
The Perecman Firm serves Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, Upstate NY, Morris County, and Rockland County.
**later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
*** later settled for $3.5 million
**** total potential payout
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