Nearly two and a half years after a QLINE streetcar crashed into an Uber on Woodward Avenue, the injured passenger continues to face mounting medical bills and a diminished quality of life, while the lawsuit against the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) tests the limits of governmental immunity. The Nov. 30, 2023, collision involved an approximately 88,000-pound streetcar operated by the RTA and a rideshare vehicle carrying a Detroit man. He sustained severe injuries, including a cervical spine fracture requiring fusion surgery, and has since relied on a cane and been unable to work. His medical expenses have reached approximately $500,000.
Lawrence Kajy, founder and managing attorney of Kajy Law Firm, PLLC, filed a lawsuit against the RTA on behalf of the passenger. The central issue is whether the RTA can claim governmental immunity, which would shield it 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. Thomas Kerr, lead attorney at the firm, has reviewed internal reports, including video footage, and described the crash as preventable.
The case has broader implications for Detroit residents who rely on rideshares, public transit, and shared corridors like Woodward Avenue. When serious crashes involve government-operated transit, complex legal questions arise, especially regarding immunity. Kajy Law Firm argues that injured individuals deserve transparency and a fair opportunity to seek compensation. "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 immunity issue, and the RTA declined to comment due to pending litigation. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Michigan, particularly concerning government-operated transit systems. As the legal process unfolds, the injured passenger and his legal team await a decision that will determine whether the RTA must answer for the crash or be shielded from accountability.
