Los Angeles Metrolink and Train Accident Lawyer

Los Angeles is known for its heavy traffic and many people have turned to other methods of transportation in order to navigate their way out of busy streets, such as rideshare services, shared e-scooter and e-bike services, and buses. However, another popular form of transportation that has contributed immensely to convenient and affordable traveling is the Metrolink, a commuter rail system that has seven lines and 62 stations across Southern California. 

Although Metrolink provides passengers an easier way to travel, the chances of a train accident occurring is more likely than one would think. According to a 2023 collision and fatality report conducted by the Federal Railroad Administration, California is ranked second of having the most train accidents throughout the United States, falling only slightly behind Texas. As victims of train accidents may likely deal with a complex case, it can be difficult to determine if one or more parties could be at-fault for their injuries and damages. 

With that in mind, if you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries in a train accident, it is vital that you pursue compensation for your damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of train accident attorneys are ready to take on your case and fight for you. We are a law firm that specializes in personal injury lawsuits and our attorneys handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves. 

With over 20 years of legal experience, our attorneys have worked on a variety of cases and are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses. We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our clients and we will continue to do our duty and guide them throughout the legal process. No matter what kind of case you may have, our lawyers have seen them all and will be available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Common Types of Train Accidents in Los Angeles

When it comes to the most common type of train accidents that can happen in Los Angeles, train and vehicle collisions, pedestrian accidents, and train on train collisions are the most typical. While train companies try to implement safety measures to prevent these accidents from occurring, however, that does not make them inevitable. So if you have been involved in an accident and are looking to hire a train accident lawyer, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with these incidents to have a better grasp on your situation and your legal rights.

Train and Vehicle Accidents

Train and vehicle accidents are when a train and a car collide with each other, creating a severe and tragic accident scene. These cases typically happen when the driver is ignoring railroad crossing signs, distracted by their phones or something else, or if their vehicle has mechanical problems.

In terms of liability, most of the time, the driver of the vehicle will be held accountable for the accident, because numerous warning signs are placed near railroad crossings to notify passenger vehicles that they should stop and wait for the oncoming train to pass by. Those who do not obey the warning signs and collide with a train will likely suffer serious injuries that are very likely to be fatal. In order for the driver to not be held accountable, there must be a third party that has conducted either negligently or recklessly in a way that leads to the accident in question.

Train and Pedestrian Accidents

Train and pedestrian accidents occur when a person such as a trespasser wanders onto the railroad tracks and gets hit by a train. According to a railroad fatality report conducted by the National Safety Council, 96% of all train accident fatalities are from trespassers wandering onto the train tracks. While people may have their reasons for wandering onto train tracks, whether it’s hikers and urban explorers doing it for recreational purposes or the local homeless trying to find somewhere safe for the night, the chances of sustaining a fatal injury is very likely and is urged to keep a safe distance away from the tracks.

Train-on-Train Accidents

While train-on-train accidents are not so common in Los Angeles, however, a few reports have occurred within the past two decades in California. Human error has been one of the main factors that has contributed to the cause of a train-on-train accident. Whether if the conductor was distracted by something or if it was due to a mechanical failure, train operators are expected to provide a duty of care to passengers on board and they must focus on their objective of delivering a safe trip for their passengers.

Those who breach their duty of care will likely cause an accident with other passenger trains and could result in many people suffering a catastrophic injury. While train companies have coverage with an insurance company just in case for emergencies, it will not stop multiple personal injury claims from being filed against them. 

Available Damages in a Train Accident

Victims of a train accident are eligible to file a personal injury claim to acquire compensation for their losses. The victim may be awarded with economic and non-economic damages, however, it will be entirely dependent on the severity and scale of the accident. For instance, economic damages are intended to compensate a victim for losses that a dollar amount can be readily attached to. So damages such as medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and lost wages are all things that have an objective monetary value that can be calculated.

Meanwhile, non-economic damages are intended to cover losses that are thought of as subjective losses that are harder to place a solid monetary value on. For example, non-economic damages such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life are all very subjective and will vary on a case-by-case basis, because the attorney will have to prove that the accident has a profound emotional impact on the victim.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one have sustained injuries as a result of a train accident, it is imperative that you seek an experienced train accident attorney who will represent you and have your best interests at heart. As train accident lawsuits are extremely complicated especially for those who are unfamiliar with the legal system, an experienced attorney can make a difference in your case.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of train accident lawyers are ready to serve as your trusted legal counsel and fight for you. With over 20 years of legal experience, our attorneys specialize in personal injury law and have handled a variety of train accident cases from equipment failures to collisions. We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and no matter what kind of accident you have been involved in, our compassionate team of attorneys will be available 24/7 to address legal questions or concerns you may have about your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE case evaluation today, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Train Accidents

How Long Will I Have To File a MetroLink Train Accident Lawsuit in California?

For all personal injury claims, you have up to two years from the incident date to file for a train accident lawsuit, as per section 335.1 of California’s code of civil procedure. If you do not file a claim within that time period, you risk having the statute of limitation taken into effect and once that happens, you will not be able to recover compensation for your damages.

What Damages Are Available to MetroLink Train Accident Victims?

Depending on the severity and scale of the accident, train accident victims can be awarded a mix of economic and non-economic damages in order to compensate victims for any accrued medical bills and emotional distress that may have been caused by the accident. In some extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded, but that is mainly reserved for cases where the victim has perished in a severe accident.

How Much Does a Train Accident Attorney Cost?

Train accident lawyers will typically operate on a contingency basis, which means that they only get paid if they win their case or receive a settlement offer from opposing counsel. Should they achieve either, then they can charge a contingency fee for their services and that can range anywhere between 25%-40% of their awarded compensation, however, most attorneys would charge a competitive rate of 33%. This makes it ideal for victims who cannot pay any upfront costs for an attorney.