When a Metro accident turns your life upside down, you need a Washington, DC Metro accident lawyer on your side. At Regan Zambri Long, our award-winning team has almost 200 years of combined experience and a long record of success in WMATA-related cases and serious transit injuries. Washingtonian Magazine called our Senior Partner, Patrick Regan, “the Washington lawyer you call when you want to sue the WMATA.”
Since 1997, we’ve achieved over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims, and all six of our partners are listed among the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America. With over 100 5 star Google reviews, our clients trust our guidance when the stakes are high and the path forward feels uncertain.
Have you been injured in a Metro accident in Washington, DC? We know how to take on WMATA and protect your rights from the very start. Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will personally call you back. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.
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With over 500,000 rides each day, the Metro is a popular mode of transportation for many DC residents, tourists, and visitors from other states and countries. You expect to be safe and protected from harm and danger when riding on the Metro. When accidents occur because of the negligence of a Metro employee or engineer, poorly maintained equipment, or poor security, the WMATA or other agencies may be liable for your injuries.
Outdated or poorly maintained equipment can also be a significant factor in Metro accidents. Malfunctioning doors, brake failures, or electrical issues can all lead to dangerous situations that put passengers at risk. While regular maintenance and inspections aim to prevent such problems, failures can still occur, leading to accidents. Here are some common types of mechanical failures:
One of the most critical systems in any train is its braking system. A malfunctioning brake can lead to collisions, derailments, and other catastrophic events. Brake failures can occur due to wear and tear, poor maintenance, or manufacturing defects.
Faulty doors can pose a significant risk to passengers. Doors that don’t close properly can lead to passengers falling out, while doors that don’t open can create dangerous overcrowding situations, especially in emergencies.
Electrical systems control various train functions, from lighting to speed control. An electrical failure can lead to a loss of control, putting the operator and passengers at risk. In extreme cases, electrical failures can even lead to fires.
The 2015 L’Enfant Plaza smoke incident is a tragic example of how an electrical failure can turn into a life-threatening emergency. An electrical arcing event in a third-rail power cable filled a stopped Yellow Line train with thick smoke, leaving passengers trapped in the tunnel. One passenger, Carol Glover, lost her life, and dozens of others were injured. Under our guidance, her family filed a $50 million lawsuit against Metro, and we secured a confidential settlement on their behalf. Our involvement in that case helped reveal how aging infrastructure and delayed maintenance contributed to the conditions that caused the disaster
Signal systems are designed to control train movement, ensuring that trains don’t end up on the same track. A failure in this system can lead to collisions, making it one of the most critical mechanical components in a Metro system.
While not as immediately dangerous as mechanical failures, a malfunctioning Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can still pose health risks. Poor ventilation can lead to overheating or lack of oxygen, especially in crowded conditions.
The suspension system is crucial for maintaining a train’s stability. A failure in this system can lead to a rough ride, increasing the risk of derailment, especially at high speeds or around curves.
Trains are often made up of multiple cars connected by couplers. A failure in this system can lead to cars separating while in motion, posing a significant risk of derailment or collision.
Understanding these mechanical failures can help passengers, authorities, and legal professionals better understand the risks involved in Metro travel. It also provides crucial information for victims seeking legal action following an accident.
Poor track conditions, such as misaligned rails or worn-out sections, can cause derailments. Similarly, signal malfunctions can lead to collisions if trains end up on the same track. The deadly 2009 Red Line tragedy is a clear example of how catastrophic signal failures can be. A faulty track-circuit system produced a false clear signal and allowed a moving train to strike a stopped train, killing nine passengers and seriously injuring more than 50 others.
Overcrowding, especially during peak hours or special events, increases the likelihood of slips, falls, and even stampedes. Other factors like severe weather conditions, vandalism, or third-party interference can also contribute to Metro accidents.
In the event of a Metro accident, a DC metro accident lawyer can help victims establish who is at fault, whether it’s the Metro authority for poor maintenance or an operator for negligent behavior.
If you’ve been involved in a Metro accident, a DC Metro accident lawyer from Regan Zambri Long can provide invaluable assistance. Our services include:
Understanding the common causes of Metro accidents in DC is not just about avoiding potential hazards; it’s also about knowing your rights and legal options if you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in one. Consult a DC Metro accident lawyer for personalized advice and representation.
At Regan Zambri Long, we take a personalized approach to each case. Our personal injury lawyers are fearless in pursuing large entities and have an almost 30-year track record of securing dozens of multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are consistently named among the Best Law Firms in America, and our work on major Metro incidents reflects that reputation. In addition to our firm representing the family of Carol Glover after the 2015 L’Enfant Plaza smoke incident, Pat Regan and Salvatore Zambri served as lead counsel in litigation arising from the 2009 Red Line collision.
These cases required close coordination with investigators, safety specialists, and medical experts, experience that continues to guide our approach to complex transit claims today.
To support the needs of Metro accident victims, our firm is anchored by leaders with deep experience in trial advocacy. Our three founding partners, Patrick Regan, Salvatore Zambri, and Victor Long, are board certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a distinction that reflects advanced trial skill and peer-recognized excellence.
Patrick Regan has twice been named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers, and his election to the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers highlights the respect he has earned within the profession. Salvatore Zambri has also been named Lawyer of the Year and is ranked among the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC. He also serves as the National Board Representative for the DC chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Victor Long also serves as Chair of the Washington, DC Court of Appeals Client Security Trust Fund, a role that speaks to his commitment to accountability and public trust within the legal profession.
When you hire Regan Zambri Long, you gain attorneys who understand the complexity of Metro litigation and who know how to build a case that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
We combine detailed investigative work with decades of experience in serious transportation claims, giving you steady guidance at every stage of the process.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a Metro accident in DC, reach out to Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation. Our experienced injury lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.