A Detroit streetcar crash that left an Uber passenger with severe injuries has sparked a legal battle over governmental immunity, as the victim faces mounting medical bills and an uncertain recovery. The incident occurred on Nov. 30, 2023, when an approximately 88,000-pound QLINE streetcar collided with an Uber vehicle on Woodward Avenue. The injured man, who was riding in the Uber, suffered a cervical spine fusion surgery, required a cane, and has been unable to work since the crash. His medical bills have reached approximately $500,000.
Kajy Law Firm, PLLC is representing the victim in a lawsuit against the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which oversees the QLINE. The case centers on whether the RTA can claim governmental immunity, a legal doctrine that protects public entities from certain lawsuits. 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," Kajy said. Thomas Kerr, lead attorney at the firm, noted that internal reports, including video of the crash, suggest the incident was preventable.
The crash has drawn public attention due to the severity of the victim's injuries and the legal questions it raises about public transportation liability. The RTA has declined to comment because of the pending litigation. The court has not yet ruled on the immunity issue, which could set a precedent for similar cases in Michigan.
Kajy Law Firm argues that governmental immunity should not shield the RTA from responsibility when negligence leads 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 firm continues to represent its client as the case progresses, highlighting the broader implications for Detroit residents who rely on rideshare services and public transit on busy corridors like Woodward Avenue.