Kajy Law Firm, PLLC is drawing public attention to a serious Detroit streetcar crash that left an Uber passenger with significant injuries, extensive medical bills, and an uncertain recovery. The incident occurred on Nov. 30, 2023, when an approximately 88,000-pound QLINE streetcar struck an Uber vehicle on Woodward Avenue. The crash has sparked public concern due to the severity of the victim's injuries and the legal battle over governmental immunity.
The injured Detroit man, who was a passenger in the Uber, described the crash as devastating. He endured a month-long hospital stay, cervical spine fusion surgery, and now requires a cane to walk. Unable to work, he faces approximately $500,000 in medical bills. Lawrence Kajy, founder and managing attorney of Kajy Law Firm, PLLC, is representing the victim and has pursued legal action against the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which oversees the QLINE. The case raises a critical question: when public transportation causes serious injury, what responsibility should the entity bear?
"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, has addressed internal reports related to the collision, which reportedly include video footage. Kerr described the incident as preventable. The RTA has claimed governmental immunity, a legal doctrine that can shield public entities from liability. The court has not yet ruled on this defense.
Kajy Law Firm argues that the case has broader implications for Detroit residents who rely on rideshare services, public transit, and shared corridors like Woodward Avenue. Serious crashes involving transit vehicles often create complex legal questions, especially when governmental immunity is invoked. The firm maintains that injured individuals deserve transparency, a thorough review of evidence, and a fair opportunity to seek recovery. "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 RTA has declined to comment due to the pending litigation. As the case progresses, Kajy Law Firm will continue to represent the client while the court considers the immunity issue. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Michigan, particularly regarding public transit accountability.
