A serious Detroit streetcar crash that left an Uber passenger with severe injuries has sparked a legal battle over governmental immunity, with Kajy Law Firm, PLLC calling for greater accountability from the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The crash occurred on Nov. 30, 2023, when an approximately 88,000-pound QLINE streetcar struck an Uber vehicle on Woodward Avenue. The injured passenger, a Detroit man, suffered a cervical spine fracture requiring fusion surgery, a month-long hospital stay, ongoing use of a cane, inability to work, and medical bills totaling roughly $500,000.
Lawrence Kajy, founder and managing attorney of Kajy Law Firm, PLLC, is representing the victim in a lawsuit against the RTA, which operates the QLINE. The case has drawn public attention because of the severity of the injuries and the RTA's assertion of governmental immunity, a legal doctrine that can shield public entities from liability. "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.
Lead attorney Thomas Kerr has reviewed internal reports from the crash, which reportedly include video footage, and described the incident as preventable. The firm argues that the crash underscores broader safety concerns for Detroit residents who rely on rideshare services, public transit, and shared corridors like Woodward Avenue. "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 lawsuit raises a critical question: when public transportation is involved in a crash, what responsibility should the entity bear? Governmental immunity often complicates such cases, as it can bar claims against public agencies unless specific exceptions apply. The RTA has declined to comment due to pending litigation, and the court has not yet ruled on the immunity issue. Kajy Law Firm maintains that injured individuals deserve transparency and a fair opportunity to seek compensation, even when government entities are involved.
This case is particularly significant for Detroit, where the QLINE and other transit systems intersect with heavy traffic. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar claims are handled in Michigan, especially regarding the application of governmental immunity in transit accidents. The firm will continue representing its client as the case proceeds, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the facts and the victim's need for recovery.
