Chula Vista Train Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a train wreck, you likely have several burning questions like “Who can I sue?” “What damages can I pursue?” and “How do I go about seeking compensation?” Our Chula Vista train accident attorneys can provide these answers and guide you through each step of your case. We know that there are numerous parties who can be at fault in a railroad accident and will perform a thorough investigation to determine what – and who – caused the accident, as well as how to best approach settlement negotiations. To speak to a member of our team, get started by giving us a call at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

Who is Liable for a Train Accident?

Generally, a train accident indicates that something went wrong. After all, a vehicle and a train should not collide at a railroad crossing, a train should not run off its rails, and the engine should not explode. Nonetheless, these things do happen and when they do, their magnitude results in serious injuries and fatalities. Identifying an at-fault party in a train wreck is tricky and depends on the circumstances. For instance, a switch failure may be attributable to the party who installed it, while a crossroads collision may be due to the conductor’s negligent driving. Regardless, our Chula Vista train accident attorneys are here to uncover critical evidence showing who – or what – caused the accident. By identifying the responsible party, we can work more directly toward pursuing compensation for your injuries. Some examples of liable parties in a train wreck include:

• The business that owns and operates the train
• The business that owns and operates the tracks
• The business responsible for the maintenance of the train or tracks
• The business that manufactured, distributed, or sold any defective train or track parts
• Motorists or individuals trespassing on the tracks or railroad property
• Train passengers
• The conductor or operator

Steps to Take after A Train Accident

No matter who is liable for your injuries, it is critical to take steps after a train accident to preserve your claim. This will avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your case is positioned for success. In addition to presenting photos of your injuries and the accident scene, you should provide your personal injury lawyer with other bits of evidence, including the following:

• Records from a Medical Assessment: If you visited your physician’s office for an official diagnosis, present your records to your attorney. A diligent personal injury lawyer will want to package this information for an insurance company as soon as possible to inoculate any argument that your injuries were caused by something else.
• All Relevant Correspondence: When you hire a personal injury attorney, forward any and all correspondence with insurance adjusters. Moving forward, if anyone affiliated with the insurer (or the insured) attempts to contact you, decline to respond and direct that person to your lawyer.
• An Injury Journal: Keep a daily record of your symptoms, noting their frequency and severity. Also note whether you’ve experienced any adverse side effects from medications and how your injuries and treatment schedule have impacted your life, work, and relationships.
• Reduce Your Social Media Footprint: If you’re active on social media platforms, now is the time to keep a low profile. During negotiations with an insurance company, an adjuster can use any information you post against you. For instance, if your accounts provide a snapshot into your daily life and depict you taking steps (or failing to take steps) toward your recovery, an adjuster can use them to his or her advantage in disputing your claim. Your attorney will likely advise you to disable your accounts or to set them to private.

Discuss Your Case with a Train Accident Attorney in Chula Vista

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team will answer your questions, ensure you understand your rights, and devise a strategy to approach the claims process. We can handle each step of your train accident case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with an insurance carrier on your behalf. Call our 24-hour phone line at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message to schedule a complimentary case review.