A serious crash involving a QLINE streetcar and an Uber vehicle on Woodward Avenue in Detroit has left a passenger with life-altering injuries and mounting medical expenses. The incident, which occurred on November 30, 2023, involved an approximately 88,000-pound streetcar striking the rideshare vehicle. The injured Detroit man sustained significant harm, including cervical spine fusion surgery, a month-long hospital stay, and reliance on a cane. He has been unable to work and faces approximately $500,000 in medical bills.
Kajy Law Firm, PLLC is representing the victim in a lawsuit against the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which oversees the QLINE. The case has drawn attention due to the severity of the injuries and the legal complexities surrounding public transit accidents. Lawrence Kajy, founder, CEO, and managing attorney of the firm, stated, “We filed this suit because he has $500,000 in medical bills and someone needs to pay for being at fault for this case.”
The lawsuit raises critical questions about accountability when public transportation systems are involved in crashes. The RTA has claimed governmental immunity, a legal doctrine that can protect government entities from liability in certain circumstances. However, Kajy Law Firm argues that the injured party deserves transparency and a fair opportunity to seek recovery. Thomas Kerr, lead attorney at the firm, has reviewed internal reports connected to the collision, including video footage, and described the incident as preventable.
The implications of this case extend beyond the individual victim. For Detroit residents who rely on rideshare services, public transit, and busy corridors like Woodward Avenue, the outcome could set a precedent for how governmental immunity is applied in similar incidents. If the court rules in favor of the RTA, it may limit the ability of injured parties to hold public transit entities accountable, even in cases of clear negligence. Conversely, a ruling against immunity could strengthen the rights of individuals harmed by public transportation operations.
The firm emphasizes that this case is about ensuring that those seriously injured are not left to bear overwhelming financial burdens alone. “This case is about accountability,” the firm said. “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 court has not yet ruled on whether governmental immunity applies in this case. The Regional Transit Authority has declined to comment due to the pending litigation. Kajy Law Firm, PLLC continues to represent the client as the legal process unfolds, advocating for a thorough review of the evidence and a just resolution.
