Attorney
The one-year anniversary of the deadliest accident in the history of the Washington Metro passed by a few weeks ago. It appears that the accident prompted a lot of talk but little action. President Obama pushed for federal oversight legislation, but that has stalled in the Senate. Metro leadership changed, but now there is no permanent leadership in place. If dangerous Metro conditions have harmed you or a loved one, a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer can advise you about how to obtain compensation.
The National Transportation Safety Board continues to take a closer look at the Metro, as it currently has four ongoing investigations into accidents. The NTSB does not expect to complete its final report on last year’s deadly accident until late July, nearly 13 months after the accident occurred. Federal authorities have chastised the Metro for having significant deficiencies in its safety culture. NTSB’s chairman lamented that, when the NTSB issues safety recommendations, the Metro does not correct the problems.
Over the past year, Metro accidents have killed 13 Metro passengers and workers and injured hundreds more. The Metro could still do a lot to improve its safety. Federal authorities have strongly recommended new signaling mechanisms and train control backup systems. The Metro should replace its aging rail cars. In last June’s crash, for instance, the lead car compressed to a third of its original size. The Metro does not expect to have new cars for two to three more years.
If you have been involved in a Metro accident, contact Paulette Chapman, a Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P to learn more about obtaining compensation.