San Clemente Train Accident Attorneys

There are usually a few train wrecks that make national headlines each year, but nobody expects to be injured in such an accident. If you or someone you love was seriously hurt in a locomotive crash, it may be possible to hold the owner of the train, the owner of the track, or another party liable for the resulting damages. Our train accident attorneys in San Clemente can review your case for free, determine if you have grounds for a claim, and help you make informed decisions. We don’t charge anything upfront for our legal services, and our attorney’s fees will only apply if we win your claim. To speak with a member of our team, contact us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

What Should I Bring to the Free Initial Consultation?

There are several questions your attorney will try to answer during your free consultation. They include:

• Do you have grounds for a claim?
• Who might be liable?
• What disputes are most likely to arise?
• What evidence will be needed to strengthen your case?
• What damages were incurred?

To help your lawyer get the clearest possible understanding of your case, it is important that you bring any documents and evidence pertaining to your accident and injury. Please note, however, that you should not put off your consultation just so you can gather evidence; if you wait too long, essential time-sensitive evidence might become unavailable. Rather, schedule your case assessment as soon as possible and try to bring any of the following if they are already in your possession:

• A Written Account of What Happened: Writing down what you remember about the crash can ensure you don’t forget pertinent details when you meet with a San Clemente train accident lawyer. Also, this exercise might help you remember key details that may have otherwise gone overlooked.

• Photos of Injuries and the Accident Scene: Pictures of the scene might be evaluated by an accident reconstruction expert to discern the cause of the crash and establish liability. Photos of injuries can show the severity of the trauma you suffered. In addition to any photos you may have taken, your attorney can search for photos and videos from local news outlets and bystanders.

• Medical Documentation: The kinds of injuries you sustained and your prognosis will have a direct impact on the settlement calculations. Bring along any documents you’ve received from your healthcare providers such as diagnostic imaging, lab test results, and prescriptions.

• Financial Records: Accident victims are often put out of work for an extended period of time. Any wages you’ve lost due to your injury might be recoverable. To prove lost income, your attorney will need financial documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and 1099s. If it is reasonably certain that your injuries will affect your future income-earning capacity, your San Clemente train accident attorney may bring in financial and vocational experts to provide deposition.

• Contact Information of Percipient Witnesses: The deposition of eyewitnesses may help your attorney overcome disputes regarding how the accident happened. If you were able to get the contact details of eyewitnesses, bring it with you to the consultation. Your attorney may also be interested in contacting your caregivers and close family and friends to ask about how the injuries have affected your life, so bring along their contact information, as well.

• Contact Information of Your Healthcare Providers: While your medical records can provide insight into the injuries you have suffered, it will likely be necessary for your lawyer to speak to your healthcare providers at some point.

What Role Do Expert Witnesses Play in Train Accident Cases?

There are all sorts of disputes that can arise in a train accident lawsuit. Below are a few examples of defenses that might be asserted against your claim:

• You are attempting to claim compensation for a pre-existing condition;
• Your own negligence was a contributing factor;
• Another defendant’s negligence was a contributing factor;
• The damages calculations are inflated; or
• You have failed to mitigate your damages.

Your attorney might use the deposition of expert witnesses to counter these disputes. For instance, the deposition of a medical expert and life care planner may be needed to corroborate the calculations of past and future healthcare costs. The deposition of an economist may be necessary to prove the value of lost future earnings, and the deposition of an accident reconstruction expert may be used to prove liability. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we work with dozens of well-credentialed experts who have the qualifications to provide credible deposition and testimony in train accident cases. We will know the kinds of experts to depose based on the facts of your case and how to get the most value out of their deposition.

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS for a Free Case Review with a San Clemente Train Accident Lawyer

To speak with a member of our team in a free consultation, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message HERE. We accept cases on a contingency basis, so if we don’t win, you won’t owe any attorney’s fees.