Due to their immense size and high speed, train wrecks often cause devastating injuries. If you were hurt as a train passenger, pedestrian, or an occupant in another vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Because the statutes and case law pertaining to these claims are complex, the best way to protect your legal rights is to speak with a Temecula train accident attorney. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have an in-depth understanding of these cases and the resources to help you fight for the highest possible settlement. To discuss your situation in a free consultation, call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

Types of Train Accident Claims We Handle:

• Derailment Train Accidents
• Multi-Train Accidents
• Train Accidents Caused by Speeding
• Train Accidents Caused by Equipment Defects
• Train Accidents at Railroad Crossings
• Train Accidents Caused by Fatigue
• Train Accidents Resulting in Wrongful Death
• Other Train Accidents

Who Might Be Liable for Damages After a Train Accident?

Determining liability after most auto accidents is fairly straightforward. In the vast majority of cases, one of the drivers involved made an error that caused the crash and is therefore liable for the damages incurred by others. But after a train wreck, there are many parties who might be liable, and it’s common for several parties to share fault. Our Temecula train accident lawyers can investigate the factors that led to your crash to identify all potentially liable parties, which may include:

• The Agency or Company Operating the Train: If the agency or company that operates the train failed to properly maintain its rail cars and other equipment, they might be legally responsible for any accidents that occur as a result. They might also be liable for injuries caused by negligent hiring, training, or supervising of employees. If your accident happened because the engineer or another employee was fatigued, the agency or company that employs him or her might be liable.
• The Agency or Company That Owns the Track: The entity that owns or controls the track where the accident occurred might be liable for your damages if the tracks were negligently maintained.
• The Driver of Another Vehicle: A significant percentage of train wrecks happen at railroad crossings when drivers fail to heed warning signs. If you were hurt in a crash that involved such a driver, he or she might be legally responsible for your medical bills and other losses.
• The Company That Manufactured Defective Equipment: Was your accident caused by a defect in the engine, another train component, or signaling equipment? If so, the manufacturer of that equipment might be held at least partially liable for your damages. Our Temecula train accident attorneys are well-versed in product liability law, so we know how to investigate these cases to determine if the necessary elements exist to bring a claim against the manufacturer or another party who took part in the development or distribution of the defective equipment.

How Should I Prepare for My Consultation with a Train Accident Lawyer?

There are steps you can take before meeting with a train accident attorney to ensure the consultation is as productive as possible. However, even if you haven’t had time to prepare, it’s important that you speak with an attorney right away because an immediate investigation must be conducted to ensure all relevant evidence can be collected. Once you’ve scheduled the consultation, gather any documentation and other evidence that might be relevant to your case such as:

• Your insurance policies;
• The police report;
• A description or copy of any correspondence you’ve had with the insurance company or other parties involved in your case;
• Photographs of injuries;
• Receipts, invoices, and other documentation of costs you’ve incurred due to your injuries such as domestic help and child care;
• Any diagnostic imaging and other medical records;
• Any documentation that might be used to prove lost income such as your most recent income tax returns, 1099s, and paystubs;
• The contact information of eyewitnesses and any parties involved in the crash; and
• A detailed written account of what happened.

If you haven’t done so already, you should also start a personal injury journal. This is essentially a record of how the injuries are impacting your life physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Below are a few elements to include in a personal injury journal:

• Your pain and other symptoms (rated on a scale of 1 to 10);
• When your symptoms first arose, how frequently they occur, and how long they last;
• The side effects of any medications you're taking; and
• Descriptions of specific instances when your injuries impacted your social life or familial relationships.

Speak with a Train Accident Lawyer in Temecula About Your Case Today

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we are proud to offer aggressive and compassionate representation to train accident victims and their families. We’ve won more than $300,000,000 in personal injury and wrongful death cases. To discuss your claim with a member of our team, send us a message online or call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.