While railway accidents are rare, train wrecks still claim hundreds of lives and injure thousands more in the country every year. Thankfully, if you were the victim of a train accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages. Reach out to our Echo Park train accident attorneys to discuss your options today. 

We are available to take your calls 24/7. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to connect with a member of our team.   

What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation with a Train Accident Attorney? 

If you’ve booked a free case review with one of our attorneys, you may be wondering how you can prepare for this meeting. While you could walk into our offices empty-handed and still benefit from discussing your case with a train accident lawyer, it may be in your best interests to bring along a few items to make the most of this opportunity. 

Let’s take a look at some of the items you should share with your attorney: 

• Eyewitness Statements and Contact Details: Were you able to speak to any of the other passengers onboard the train? Did you take down statements about what they saw? In some situations, eyewitness deposition could help corroborate your version of events. As such, you should share their contact details with your attorney as he or she may want to interview them to determine whether their deposition could help strengthen your case. 

• The Official Accident Report: If police officers investigated the wreck, it’s likely that they compiled an official report on the crash. This document will often include information about the wreck such as the time, date, and location of the accident, and the officers’ observations on what may’ve happened. While this document isn’t admissible as evidence in court, it could help your attorney map out their investigation and identify important proof that could be used to prove liability and damages. 

• Photographs of the Accident Scene: Taking pictures of the wreck immediately after the collision can help preserve useful evidence that your attorney and/or an accident reconstruction expert might be able to use to piece together what happened. Additionally, snapping photos of your injuries could also help tie your injuries to the crash. 

• Receipts, Invoices, and Estimates: In a train accident claim, you will only be able to obtain a financial award for damages that you can prove. As such, you need to start tracking your losses carefully from day one, making sure to compile the relevant financial documents in a safe place. 

Why Might the Insurance Company Dispute My Train Wreck Claim? 

When you file a personal injury claim, the insurance company has a strong incentive to dispute aspects of your case to reduce how much they have to pay out—especially if you are pursuing a significant amount. While there are strict laws in place requiring insurers to negotiate claims in good faith, claims adjusters are adept at spotting weaknesses and leveraging them to challenge your credibility. As such, if you made any mistakes, it’s likely that you will face disputes during proceedings. 

Let’s take a look at a few common reasons insurers dispute claims: 

• You Delayed Seeking Medical Treatment: If you failed to seek medical treatment within a reasonable timeframe after the accident, the insurer may assert that you failed in your duty to mitigate damages. Accident victims have a responsibility to take sufficient steps to reduce their losses. Seeking treatment in a timely manner and sticking to your treatment plan are two crucial parts of fulfilling this duty. As a general rule, you should always visit the doctor as soon as possible after an accident. 

• You Do Not Have Strong Evidence: The insurance company will only pay out a settlement when they absolutely have to. As such, if you have not gathered strong evidence to prove liability, causation, and damages, you should expect the claims adjuster to challenge your case. 

• You Were Partially Liable: While it’s unlikely you played any role in causing the train accident, you could still be held liable for some of your losses. For instance, if it emerges that you deviated from your treatment plan, the insurer may argue that your actions caused your condition to worsen. In such situations you may be held liable for some—or all—of your damages.  

Discuss Your Personal Injury Claim with a Train Accident Attorney in Echo Park 

While taking public transport tends to be safer than hitting the open road in a car, accidents involving trains and buses aren’t uncommon. If you were injured in a train accident, it’s likely that you’ve been plunged into a precarious financial position. Treatment for most injuries can cost a small fortune, and it’s possible that you’ve been unable to earn a living due to limitations stemming from your condition.  

At HPIL, we are here to help guide you through these challenging times, providing compassionate representation throughout proceedings. To lock in a free case review, reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or by sending us a message HERE.