A Detroit man who was a passenger in an Uber when a QLINE streetcar struck the vehicle on Nov. 30, 2023, faces over $500,000 in medical bills and an uncertain recovery after suffering severe injuries, including cervical spine fusion surgery. The crash, involving an approximately 88,000-pound streetcar, has sparked a lawsuit against the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and raised critical questions about governmental immunity and public transit accountability.
The injured passenger, who was riding in an Uber on Woodward Avenue, reported a month-long hospital stay, the use of a cane, and an inability to work. His legal team at Kajy Law Firm, PLLC is pursuing legal action against the RTA, which oversees the QLINE. The case centers on whether the RTA can claim governmental immunity, potentially shielding it from liability. Lawrence Kajy, founder and managing attorney of the firm, emphasized the financial burden on his client, stating, "We filed this suit because he has $500,000 in medical bills and someone needs to pay for being at fault for this case."
Thomas Kerr, lead attorney at the firm, reviewed internal reports from the crash, including video footage, and described the incident as preventable. The firm argues that the severity of the injuries and the circumstances warrant a thorough examination of responsibility. "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 RTA has declined to comment due to pending litigation, and the court has not yet ruled on the immunity issue. The case has broader implications for Detroit residents who rely on rideshare services, public transit, and shared corridors like Woodward Avenue. Crashes involving transit vehicles can create complex legal questions, particularly when government entities assert immunity, but the firm maintains that injured individuals deserve transparency and a fair opportunity to seek compensation.
Kajy Law Firm, PLLC continues to represent the client as the case progresses, focusing on the legal arguments surrounding governmental immunity and the need for accountability in public transit operations.
