A Detroit man seriously injured in a November 30, 2023, crash involving a QLINE streetcar and an Uber vehicle is at the center of a legal battle that questions the extent of governmental liability in public transit accidents. The crash occurred on Woodward Avenue when an approximately 88,000-pound QLINE streetcar struck the Uber carrying the passenger, resulting in severe injuries that included a cervical spine fusion surgery, a month-long hospital stay, and ongoing use of a cane. The victim, who has been unable to work, now faces approximately $500,000 in medical bills.
Kajy Law Firm, PLLC, representing the injured passenger, has filed a lawsuit against the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which oversees the QLINE system. The case has drawn attention because the RTA has raised governmental immunity as a defense, potentially limiting its financial responsibility. Lawrence Kajy, founder and managing attorney of the firm, emphasized the need for accountability: "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 incident has broader implications for Detroit residents who rely on rideshare services and public transit along shared corridors like Woodward Avenue. Thomas Kerr, lead attorney at the firm, noted that internal reports, including video of the crash, suggest the incident was preventable. The firm argues that governmental immunity should not shield the RTA from responsibility when its actions contribute to serious harm. "This case is about accountability," the firm stated. "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 the governmental immunity issue, and the RTA has declined to comment due to the pending litigation. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how such claims are handled in Michigan, particularly when public transit entities are involved. As the legal process continues, Kajy Law Firm remains committed to pursuing compensation for its client, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in the aftermath of preventable crashes.
