Train Accidents
Train Accident Lawyer Serving Los Angeles
Compassionate Representation for Victims of Train Crashes
At the Law Offices of Jennie Levin, P.C., we are passionate about meeting the legal needs of clients. Trains travel at incredibly fast speeds, and an accident could lead to catastrophic injuries or death. If you have been injured in a train crash, our Los Angeles train accident attorney can provide diligent legal services as you seek compensation. We will walk you through the process and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to receive a free initial case evaluation. Se habla Español.
What You Need to Know About Train Crashes in the U.S.
While trains are not as commonly used for travel as they once were, there are still more than 600 railroads across the U.S. and hundreds of thousands of miles of railroad tracks. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration, more than 2,500 train wrecks occur each year, causing numerous injuries and fatalities.
There are 3 main types of train accidents:
- Derailments
- Pedestrian accidents at unprotected railroad crossings
- Collisions with other vehicles or trains
Because passengers do not have to wear seatbelts, they are at high risk for injuries or death in a crash. Furthermore, bystanders may be injured if a train’s cargo becomes detached, or if the train becomes derailed. By law, the majority of trains must use a “black box” to record important information, such as the train’s speed, direction, brake use, and horn use. After a wreck, the black box is an essential piece of evidence to show what happened and who is responsible.
Understanding Liability for a Train Accident
There are several parties who could be liable for a train crash. For instance, the railroad company may be liable if a crossing arm failed to work, or if a warning signal malfunctioned. In other situations, the train operator may be held liable for reckless behavior or negligence. Bystanders, who act carelessly and cause their own injuries, may also be considered negligent and may have a difficult time pursuing compensation after a crash.
Common Carrier Laws & Railroad Liability
Trains are considered common carriers. They transport people as part of a business transaction. As a common carrier, they must provide not just a reasonable duty of care to passengers, but the utmost vigilance in keeping passengers safe from harm. If a railroad company acts negligently, or a train operator is untrained or reckless, you may be able to make a claim and pursue justice from those responsible.
Railroad companies must abide by federal and state laws. They must provide adequate training and safety education to workers, and take extra precautions to avoid hazardous situations. If you have been injured in a train accident, you may be able to receive a settlement to cover various damages.
These include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Other economic and non-economic damages
A thorough investigation is necessary to determine fault in a train crash. Federal and state agencies may be involved, in addition to insurance companies. With years of experience, our Los Angeles personal injury attorney will conduct a meticulous investigation into the accident and gather evidence to build your case. This may include witness statements, police reports, information from the train’s black box, pictures or videos of the incident, and medical records.
Seek a Favorable Result with the Help of Our Los Angeles Train Accident Lawyer
The Law Offices of Jennie Levin, P.C. has guided numerous clients to successful solutions. If you have been injured in a train wreck, we will fight for justice on your behalf. Negligent or reckless railroad companies and operators must be held accountable in court. Our Los Angeles train accident attorney stays up to date on the pertinent laws regarding the transportation industry. From start to finish, we will answer your questions and guide you through the legal process.
Call our office today at (323) 951-1188 to discuss your case with our knowledgeable and compassionate legal advocate.