Los Angeles Train Accident Lawyers Fighting for Injury Victims and Their Families

Train accidents are rare, but when they happen, the consequences are often devastating. Whether involving a commuter train, light rail, Amtrak, or freight line, these accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and massive property damage. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a train crash—as a passenger, pedestrian, or driver of another vehicle—you need a legal team with the skill and experience to take on powerful transit authorities and insurance companies. At Impact Attorneys, our Los Angeles train accident lawyers are ready to stand in your corner and pursue the justice you deserve.

Attorneys Shawn Gleizer and Ellery Gordon understand the complexities that come with train accident litigation. These cases often involve multiple liable parties, strict legal procedures, and unique technical investigations. Our firm provides aggressive representation for victims and their families throughout Southern California, helping them secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term suffering.

Understanding the Different Types of Train Accidents

Train accidents come in many forms, each with its own legal and safety challenges. Common types of incidents include collisions between trains, accidents involving pedestrians, and crashes where trains strike vehicles at railroad crossings. Derailments are another serious type of incident, where a train leaves the track due to excessive speed, mechanical failure, or track damage. Additionally, single-train accidents may occur due to operator error or signal failure, and in extremely rare cases, deliberate attacks may also be involved.

Each of these scenarios requires careful investigation and an understanding of how train operations and infrastructure function. Our legal team knows what questions to ask and which experts to involve in building a strong claim.

Metrolink Accidents and Commuter Train Dangers in Los Angeles

Los Angeles residents may remember the tragic Metrolink accident that occurred in 2008, which resulted in 25 deaths and dozens of injuries. Although steps have been taken to improve safety with Positive Train Control (PTC) and other measures, serious accidents still happen across Southern California’s rail system. Metrolink trains, Amtrak lines, and freight rail systems all operate in and around Los Angeles County—often sharing tracks and rail infrastructure.

Despite advancements in rail technology, human error remains one of the leading causes of train accidents. When train operators fail to follow proper protocols, or when conductors ignore warning signals, the consequences can be catastrophic. Train companies and public agencies have a duty to prioritize safety at every level—and when they fail to do so, they must be held accountable.

Common Causes of Train Accidents in California

Train crashes and derailments can be caused by a wide variety of factors. Human error remains the most frequent contributor, often involving distracted operators, speeding, or failure to follow signals. Mechanical failures such as faulty brakes or track defects also account for many incidents. Poorly maintained rail infrastructure, signal system malfunctions, and unsafe crossings are also commonly cited causes.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, more than half of all train accidents are due to operator error or human mistakes. Others involve equipment defects, track issues, and failure to follow safety protocols. In many cases, a combination of factors is to blame, which makes determining liability all the more complicated. Our legal team works with transportation experts, engineers, and investigators to uncover the full story behind each accident.

Train Accident Statistics in the U.S.

While train travel is generally considered safe, national statistics reveal that serious incidents still occur far too frequently. According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there were over 1,600 total train accidents in a single year. These included over 300 injuries and several fatalities, with many incidents involving derailments, collisions at crossings, or pedestrian strikes.

Although these numbers may seem small compared to car accidents, the severity of injuries in train-related crashes is often far greater. Victims may suffer long-term disability, disfigurement, or psychological trauma. The cost of recovery—both physically and financially—can be overwhelming, especially without experienced legal help.

Liability and Legal Challenges in Train Accident Cases

Train companies are classified as “common carriers” under California law, meaning they are held to a higher legal duty of care when transporting passengers. This legal classification increases the standard for proving negligence and provides victims with an avenue to pursue financial recovery. However, identifying who is responsible after a train accident is not always simple.

Multiple parties may be liable, including the train operator, the company or agency that owns the rail line, third-party maintenance contractors, government entities responsible for track upkeep, and even equipment manufacturers. Our firm conducts thorough investigations to pinpoint every party that contributed to the accident and holds them accountable through litigation or settlement negotiations.

What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Train Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in a train accident, seek medical attention immediately—even if your injuries seem minor. Keep all medical records and take photos of the accident scene if possible. Do not speak to insurance adjusters or representatives from the rail company until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Time is of the essence, especially if a government agency is involved, as California has strict deadlines for filing claims under the Tort Claims Act.

Our team at Impact Attorneys can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and ensure that all required notices are filed correctly and on time. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we secure compensation for your injuries.

Damages You May Be Entitled to After a Train Accident

Train accident victims may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages, depending on the circumstances of the crash. These may include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. If a loved one was killed in the accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

We work with economic experts, life care planners, and medical professionals to assess the full value of your claim and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

Call the Los Angeles Train Accident Lawyers at Impact Attorneys Today

Train accidents are tragic events that often leave victims and families struggling to understand what happened and how to move forward. At Impact Attorneys, we are committed to providing strong legal advocacy and compassionate support to those affected. We have the knowledge, resources, and courtroom experience to take on powerful transportation entities and win.

If you’ve been injured in a train accident in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, call us today at 818-659-0642 for a free consultation. Let our experienced Los Angeles train accident lawyers evaluate your case, answer your questions, and fight for the justice you deserve.