When a train derails or collides, the consequences can be devastating. Victims can suffer catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, and broken bones, and many incur thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. If you were injured while using one of the state’s many railway services, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages. At HPIL, our El Monte train accident attorneys can assist with every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating a settlement. 

We are available 24/7 to take your calls. Reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to get started. 

What Evidence Can Help Strengthen My Train Accident Claim? 

The success—or failure—of your train accident claim will likely hinge on the strength of the evidence you are able to gather. Ultimately, a convincing case is almost always built on a bedrock of strong proof.  

Let’s take a look at some of the different types of evidence you may need to prove liability after an accident: 

• Eyewitness Testimony: With other passengers onboard, it’s likely that someone else will be able to corroborate your version of events. As such, you should take down the names and contact details of any eyewitnesses and share this information with your attorney. Your lawyer may want to reach out to the other passengers to determine whether their testimony could help support your claim. 

• Photographs of the Wreckage: If you are able to take photos of the wreck, your attorney may be able to use these images to determine what happened and who was responsible for causing the accident. Additionally, you should take pictures of your injuries as these snapshots will not only help connect your injuries to the scene, but could also provide context to your medical records and help you build a case for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. 

• Expert Witness Testimony: There are some people who—due to their specialized knowledge in a specific field—are allowed to offer their opinion on the facts of a personal injury claim. For instance, your attorney might choose to bring in a medical expert to testify regarding the timeline of your recovery, the treatments you will require, and how the limitations stemming from your condition impede your ability to live a normal life.  

• Medical Records: Up-to-date medical records will likely play a crucial role in supporting your claim. As such, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment immediately after leaving the accident scene to ensure that you receive a prompt diagnosis. Delaying treatment could result in the insurer disputing liability and damages. 

What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation? 

If you’ve scheduled a case review with a member of our legal team, you may be wondering how to prepare for this first meeting. While you could show up empty-handed and still benefit immensely from this one-on-one consultation, it may be in your best interests to prepare a few items to share with your attorney, such as: 

• A Written Account of the Accident: As soon as possible after the wreck, you should take some time to write down everything you can remember about the incident. What happened in the moments before the wreck? What did the railway company’s employees say immediately afterwards? Did you speak to any other passengers? Were you able to record footage of the accident on your phone? The answers to such questions could help guide your train wreck attorney’s investigation into the accident and help them identify evidence that might help support your claim.  

• Financial Documents: In a personal injury claim, you can only recover compensation for damages you are able to prove. As such, you should make sure you track your expenses diligently from day one. Examples of documents your attorney might want to see could include invoices for medical procedures, repairs, replacement services, and paperwork that could help demonstrate loss wages such as pay stubs, tax returns, and letters from your employer. 

• Personal Injury Journal Entries: If you haven’t started documenting your recovery in a personal injury journal, it may be in your best interests to start logging daily entries right now. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation for non-economic damages such as loss of enjoyment in life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In your entries, you should log your pain levels, describe the limitations stemming from your condition, and note down any medication side effects. A personal injury journal can help contextualize your medical records, giving others insight into the ways in which your injuries have affected your everyday life.  

Discuss Your Situation with a Train Accident Attorney in El Monte 

Were you injured in a train accident? Turn to the attorneys at HPIL. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or click through to our contact page HERE to pencil in a free case assessment.