A Detroit man is facing a long recovery after a QLINE streetcar crashed into his Uber vehicle on Woodward Avenue in November 2023, prompting a lawsuit that challenges the limits of governmental immunity. The crash involved an 88,000-pound streetcar operated by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), and the victim sustained severe injuries requiring cervical spine fusion surgery, a month-long hospital stay, and ongoing use of a cane. His medical bills have reached approximately $500,000, and he has been unable to return to work.
Lawrence Kajy, founder of Kajy Law Firm, PLLC, is representing the injured passenger. The firm filed a lawsuit against the RTA, arguing that the agency should be held accountable for the crash. The case centers on whether the RTA can claim governmental immunity, which would shield it from liability. Thomas Kerr, lead attorney at the firm, has reviewed internal reports, including video of the crash, and described the incident as preventable.
The RTA has declined to comment due to the pending litigation, and the court has not yet ruled on the immunity issue. The case has broader implications for Detroit residents who use rideshare services, public transit, and shared corridors like Woodward Avenue. When serious crashes involve public transportation, complex legal questions arise about responsibility and compensation for victims.
“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. The firm maintains that injured individuals deserve transparency and a fair opportunity to seek recovery, even when government entities are involved. “This case is about accountability,” the firm added. “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 outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar claims are handled in Michigan, particularly regarding the application of governmental immunity in transit accidents. Kajy Law Firm, PLLC continues to represent the victim as the legal process unfolds.
