Attorney
The Washington Metro Transit Authority removed several rail cars from service a few weekends ago due to safety problems. The move affected rush hour commutes the following week and authorities expect such delays to last several, additional weeks as up to 100 rail cards require servicing. Metro officials tested the aging cars and learned that circuitry problems could cause the cars’ doors to open while the cars are in motion. If you have been involved in a Metro or other public transportation accident, a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
The rail cars are part of the Metro’s 4000 series, which have been in use since 1993. Many Metro rail cars are older than that, though. The Metro’s 1000 series cars have been running since the mid-1970s. Over the past year, the Transit Authority has been seeking money to purchase new cars to replace its oldest, 1000 series ones. It hopes to buy 648 new rail cars, but, as of now, only has the financing to get 64 new ones for its expansion out to Dulles airport.
Federal authorities have weighed heavily on the Metro to replace its aging cars, which they say are not strong enough to prevent crumpling in a collision. The June 2009 Metro accident that killed nine involved six 1000 series cars. In the aftermath of that accident, the Metro moved all of its 1000 series cars into the middle of trains to lessen the likely damage in the event of an accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a Washington, D.C. Metro accident, contact Roger C. Johnson, a Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P to find out how you can obtain compensation for your suffering.