Train Accidents

Train Accident Attorneys for all of California

With an increase in population, a rise in gas prices and congestion on streets and freeways, many Californians choose train travel as a primary means of transportation.

Furthermore, the increased population throughout California also means greater demand for consumer products and manufacturing materials.  More train traffic may lead to an increase in injuries from train crashes. Trains derail, they smash into motor vehicles, they kill pedestrians. Some of these accidents may be caused by negligent pedestrians or motor vehicle operators. However, many of the accidents are caused by failed safety measures, poorly maintained railroad equipment and train operator error. When a train accident occurs, skilled attorneys are essential to handle this complex litigation. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a railway accident, Metrolink or CALTRANS accident, or other train accident in California, you need the skilled advice of the experienced train accident attorneys at Lederer & Nojima. 

Caifornia Train Accident Data

In the United States, there are approximately 3,000 train accidents every year, which cause nearly 1,000 deaths. Almost every two weeks, a train derailment causes a chemical spill that forces the evacuation of local residents. In California, there were 199 train accidents in 2005, 189 train accidents in 2006, and 152 train accidents in 2007. In 2008 a horrific Metrolink train wreck in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles left 25 dead and more than 135 injured. When such a train accident occurs, the emotional and financial toll on victims and their families cannot be overstated.

What Causes Train Accidents?

Some of the most common causes can include any of the following:

• engineer negligence
• lack of adequate training
• equipment breakdown
• excessive speed
• confusing signals
• inadequate rail maintenance
• inadequate engine maintenance
• collisions with passenger vehicles 
• collisions with other trains
• poor safety standards protecting pedestrians

Train Accident Litigation

The laws that govern liability in a train accident can be extremely complex. If only state laws are involved, most claims for negligence can be brought against the private or governmental owners and operators of the train or transit system. However, other legal complications may emerge because federal law controls many aspects of the U.S. passenger and freight rail systems. Many state laws that protect passengers from the negligence of others may be preempted by federal laws. Because of these regulatory intricacies, an average lawyer may not be qualified to deal with such cases. The victim may need a train accident attorney that thoroughly understands the interactions between California and federal law. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both state law and federal regulations that govern train accidents. 

Regardless of the cause or type of rail accident you have been involved in, the laws governing railroad mishaps can be very complex and may vary greatly depending upon the circumstances of the accident. You may have been a passenger, a pedestrian, or you may work for a railroad. We will protect your rights and diligently pursue the compensation that you deserve no matter your circumstances. If you or a loved one has been injured, or if you have lost a loved one due to a catastrophic train crash, call 310-312-1860 to speak with a skilled California train accident lawyer.