A Detroit man who was an Uber passenger when a QLINE streetcar struck the vehicle on Nov. 30, 2023, is seeking accountability through a lawsuit filed by Kajy Law Firm, PLLC. The crash, which involved an approximately 88,000-pound streetcar on Woodward Avenue, left the victim with a month-long hospital stay, cervical spine fusion surgery, reliance on a cane, inability to work, and about $500,000 in medical bills.
Lawrence Kajy, founder and managing attorney of the firm, emphasized the financial and physical toll on his client. “We filed this suit because he has $500,000 in medical bills and someone needs to pay for being at fault for this case,” Kajy said. The lawsuit targets the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which oversees the QLINE, and raises the issue of governmental immunity, a legal doctrine that can shield public entities from liability.
Thomas Kerr, lead attorney at Kajy Law Firm, PLLC, reviewed internal reports including video of the crash and described the incident as preventable. The firm argues that the RTA must be held responsible for the crash, asserting that injured individuals deserve transparency and a fair opportunity to seek compensation. The case has broader implications for Detroit residents who use rideshare services, public transit, and shared corridors like Woodward Avenue, where similar incidents could occur.
The RTA has declined to comment due to pending litigation, and the court has not yet ruled on the immunity claim. The firm continues to represent its client as the case progresses, focusing on the facts and the need for accountability. “When a person is seriously injured, unable to return to work, and left with overwhelming medical bills, the focus should be on facts, responsibility, and making sure the injured person is not left behind,” the firm stated.
This case underscores the complex legal questions that arise when public transportation is involved in serious crashes, particularly regarding government immunity. Kajy Law Firm maintains that injured parties should not be left without recourse, and the outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for future claims against transit authorities.
