Train Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Award-Winning Train Accident Lawyers
Train accidents may not occur frequently, but due to the size and weight of trains, accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries. In the most serious train accident cases, victims do not survive their injuries resulting in wrongful death.
Majority of train accidents happen because of human error. For example, a train operator failed to slow the train down at the right moment. Other times, accidents occur due to faulty equipment from the manufacturer. There are many causes for train accidents, but the consequences are similar – people end up hurt or injured.
Individuals, businesses, or government entities at-fault should be held accountable for their wrongful actions. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a train accident in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, it’s important that you contact a train accident attorney as soon as possible. Filing a claim to seek compensation is a difficult and overwhelming process so let an experienced attorney help you while you focus on recovering from your injuries. While no one can remove this tragic experience, financial compensation can help you and your family move forward. When you’re ready, our Los Angeles train accident lawyers at Mesriani Law Group are ready to help you.
Common Causes of Train Accidents in Los Angeles
Pinpointing the cause of a rail accident is essential for establishing liability. Most accidents in Southern California stem from:
Human Error: Operator fatigue, distraction, or inexperience remains a leading cause of collisions.
Mechanical Failures: Malfunctioning track switches, brake failure, or defective safety signals.
Negligence: Failure by railroad companies to perform critical safety maintenance or update aging infrastructure.
Unprotected Crossings: A lack of adequate warning lights or gates at railroad intersections.
Track Obstructions: Foreign objects or stalled vehicles on the tracks that lead to dangerous derailments.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Train accident litigation is unique because multiple parties—including government entities—can be held responsible. We investigate all potential defendants, including:
Public Agencies & Railroad Companies: Responsible for safe operations and qualified hiring.
Equipment Manufacturers: Liable if the crash was caused by a defective engine or signal system.
Track Owners: Entities responsible for maintaining the physical rail lines in a safe condition.
Negligent Drivers: Motorists who attempt to “beat the train” or stall on the tracks.
Important Legal Note: California has strict statutes of limitations and specific notice requirements for claims against government-operated transit. Additionally, federal law caps total liability for passenger rail accidents at $200 million. Missing a single deadline can permanently bar you from recovery.
FELA Claims for Railroad Employees
If you are a railroad worker injured on the job, you are typically not covered by standard workers’ compensation. Instead, you must file a claim under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
Unlike workers’ comp, FELA requires you to prove that your employer or a coworker was negligent. Railroad companies employ specialized claims agents to minimize these payouts; having an experienced FELA attorney is the only way to level the playing field.
Recoverable Damages
We fight to recover both economic and non-economic damages to ease your financial and emotional burden:
Economic Damages: Medical bills, future caregiving costs, lost wages, and loss of earning potential.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life.
Wrongful Death: Compensation for surviving spouses, children, or parents if a loved one was killed.
Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme or willful negligence, the court may award additional funds to punish the defendant.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Rail Accident
Seek Medical Attention: Some internal or spinal injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
Limit Discussion: Do not give statements to insurance adjusters or railroad investigators without your lawyer.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the tracks, the train, and any visible injuries.
Contact Mesriani Law Group: We offer a No Win, No Fee guarantee.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, call us 24/7 at (866) 500-7070 for a free consultation.
Train Accident Claims: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is liable for a train accident in California?
Determining liability in a rail accident requires a technical investigation. Responsible parties may include public transit agencies (like LA Metro or Metrolink), private freight companies, or equipment manufacturers. Because these entities often have immense legal resources, identifying the correct defendant early is critical to your financial recovery.
2. What are common causes of train and rail accidents?
Train accidents often stem from conductor error, mechanical failures, or poorly maintained tracks. Under California law, trains are "common carriers," meaning they owe passengers the highest duty of care. Any breach of this duty, such as speeding or ignoring signals, can be grounds for a significant negligence claim.
3. How long do I have to file a claim after a train accident?
If the accident involves a government-run transit line, you typically have only six months to file a formal administrative claim. Private rail companies usually fall under the two-year statute of limitations. However, because evidence like black box data and dispatch records can be lost, starting the legal process immediately is essential.
4. Can I recover damages if I was injured as a pedestrian or motorist at a crossing?
Yes. Many accidents occur at railway crossings due to malfunctioning gates or inadequate warnings. We work with engineering experts to prove that the rail operator failed to maintain a safe crossing. Even if you were partially at fault, California’s comparative negligence rules may still allow you to recover substantial damages.
5. What compensation can I receive for a train accident injury?
Victims are entitled to maximum compensation for all losses. This includes emergency room bills, long-term rehabilitation, and lost income. We also pursue significant damages for pain and suffering and the emotional trauma associated with a catastrophic rail incident, ensuring your future needs are fully protected.
Justice for Rail Accident Victims
Train accidents involve complex federal and state regulations. Our Los Angeles legal team has the experience to navigate these hurdles and hold powerful transit entities accountable for the injuries and trauma they cause. We are dedicated to securing the full compensation you deserve.
Free Confidential Case Review: 866-500-7070How a Mesriani Train Accident Lawyer Can Help
Mesriani Law Group has settled or litigated thousands of accident injury claims for our clients, including train accident claims. Our California train accident lawyers will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Here’s how a Mesriani Law Group attorney can help you with your train accident claim:
- Identify and locate all possible parties responsible for your injury.
- Collect and preserve critical evidence.
- Find important witnesses including eyewitnesses and obtain their testimony to strengthen your claims.
- Prove your case by hiring the expert to reconstruct scenarios in disciplines such as train operations, train design, and train mechanics.
- Communicate with insurance agents, government entities, train companies, and any other possible responsible party on your behalf.
- Negotiate the highest possible settlement for your claim.
- Represent you in court if the other party refuses to settle or only offers you a lowball settlement amount.
Why Choose Mesriani Law Group
While there may be numerous legal counsel options for train accident claims, choosing the right representation for your specific situation is essential to obtaining successful results. At Mesriani Law Group, we provide our clients with the following:
No Win No Fee Policy
At Mesriani Law Group, we have a No Win No Fee guarantee. You don’t pay us anything if we don’t win your case.
Proven Track Record
Mesriani Law Group was founded in 1996 and since then, it has maintained its outstanding reputation of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for its clients.
Experienced Train Accident Attorneys
Rodney Mesriani and his team of highly skilled and accomplished lawyers have over three decades of experience among them and are thoroughly dedicated to fighting for victims who were injured in train accidents.
Satisfied Clientele
Mesriani Law Group represents clients all over Southern California and have been given the highest ratings as seen in Yelp, AVVO, Google, and alike. Direct communication and superior customer service is what our firm is known for.
Multilingual Staff
The firm’s multilingual team also speaks Farsi, Spanish, and English. Our professional and gracious staff are pleased to answer any queries you may have.
Available 24/7
We are available 24/7 to give consultation over the phone and if our clients are unable to meet at our office, we are amenable to meet you at your convenience.
Contact Us Today at (866) 500-7070 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation
The Mesriani Law Group Process.
Mesriani Law Group offers No Win, No Fee representation and litigation services. This means our lawyers only get paid if you win.
Step 1:
Get Free Consultation
Submit your claim details and schedule a free consultation with a qualified attorney who will discuss your case.
Step 2:
Sign a Contract
Before a lawsuit is filed, a binding contingency contract will be created and signed by both parties.
Step 3:
Investigation
Our lawyers will investigate your claim to determine negligence, malice, or wrongdoing.
Step 4:
Negotiate a Settlement
An optimal settlement agreement may be negotiated before the claim goes to trial.
Step 5:
Fight in Court
If a settlement isn't reached, our trial attorneys will go fight to protect your rights and recover damages.
What Our Clients Have To Say
“I cannot emphasize enough the level of their professionalism and effectiveness. It was great working with Rodney and the whole team at the Mesriani Law Group. The compensation they got me was more than I expected. I highly recommend them. With the Mesriani Law Group you’ll be in the right hands when you have an accident. They’ll take care of your case like no one else and get the maximum that you deserve.“
“After contacting many different lawyers and law firms to discuss my legal issue, I was lucky enough to come across Mesriani Law Group. They took the time to listen to all the details of my case patiently & kept me updated through out the process on a regular basis. His team was very responsive and accessible both via email and phone. Rodney Mesriani and his team did a fantastic job. Let me add that Cory, Stephan and Brandon were very helpful along the way.
Highly recommend this law firm.“
“My insurance gave me the run around for a horrible car accident I was involved in. I was getting so frustrated until i contacted Rodney and his team. Not only was his staff super professional, they actually cared and followed up with me. My case has been settled and I couldn’t be happier. Hopefully I don’t get into any more accidents but if I do, I know where to go. Thanks for having my back Rodney!!!“
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