Train Accident Attorneys in Sacramento

What happens during a train accident case evaluation?

When you meet with our Sacramento accident attorneys, we will ask a variety of questions to determine what type of train accident you experienced and how much your train accident lawsuit is worth. We will cover a variety of topics, including the parties involved, how the accident occurred, and the injuries you sustained. If you are still getting treatment for your injuries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Sacramento legal staff today to set up a one-on-one with our highly rated lawyers.

What are the different types of train accidents in Sacramento?

There could be several different types of accidents involving trains, but it depends on where you were at the time of the accident.

If you were a pedestrian:

• Train collisions: train collisions with pedestrians walking on the street could lead to substantial injuries, and oftentimes death. If you have lost a loved one through a train collision, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. For more information on wrongful death claims, contact our Sacramento attorneys. Wrongful death allows the deceased’s family members to get compensated for the suffering that the deceased had gone through.

If you were a commuter:

• Slips and Falls: If you, asa passenger,esufferedpinjuriesou have the right to file a lawsuit against the train company, the train owner, and the employee. Several passenger trains, especially the long-distance ones like the California Zephyr and Coast Starlight, offer their passengers drinks, and as other beverages fall to the ground, they may not be cleaned up right away. This increases the risk of a slip-and-fall accident involving a passenger.
• Train collisions: If you were a passenger in the train, and the train collided with another vehicle or train, you may have sustained severe injuries. Usually, those who ride the train are not even equipped with seat belts. When a train collides with other objects, vehicles, or other trains on the track, all passengers could get jolted from the abrupt impact. This could cause injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
• Derailment: A train derailment occurs when the train operator operates the train at high speeds. The train may not be able to stop completely if a vehicle is in its path.
• Fires: Train accidents and collisions can sometimes lead to fires. When a fire occurs, all passengers must evacuate immediately; otherwise, they risk burn injuries.

If you were another driver:

• Train collisions with cars: If you were in a vehicle and the train derailed and collided with it, you can file a lawsuit for the injuries you have suffered. Unfortunately, mechanical failures can lead to train derailments. Because trains must be maintained, the likelihood of derailments increases when they are not properly serviced.

Who Can You Sue After a Train Accident in Sacramento?

If you were injured in a train accident in Sacramento, you may wonder: which parties can be held liable? It’s essential to identify the correct defendants—filing against the wrong party could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

Typically, potential defendants may include:

• The train operator or the railway company
• A subcontractor or maintenance crew
• A government transit authority
• A signal or track maintenance contractor
• A manufacturer of faulty parts or equipment

For precise guidance on who you should name in a lawsuit, we strongly recommend consulting with our

Sacramento train accident attorneys. Many people file claims against incorrect parties—when that happens, you might lose your legal rights or be barred from seeking compensation altogether. Don’t risk your claim: reach out to a train accident lawyer today.

Below are some examples of different parties that could be held responsible for your Sacramento train accident:

• Train operator: This is usually the primary responsible party in train accidents. Usually, train accidents are caused by the operator’s negligence, such as speeding, negligent operation under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or fatigue.
• Operation owner or company: You could hold the train owner or train company responsible for the injuries that you have suffered if the train operator was responsible for causing the accident. Employees hold their employers accountable for their negligent acts on the job. For example, if your attorney could show that the train operator’s negligence caused the accident, and the operator was working at the time of the accident, you could also bring in the operator’s employer.
• Train part manufacturers: Mechanical failures can sometimes be caused by defects in the train part. This defect could lead to equipment failure, increasing the risk of a train derailment. Give our attorneys a call today to discuss how you could finally file a lawsuit against a defective train part manufacturer. This falls under a separate type of lawsuit, product liability, which is distinct from negligence.
• Other drivers: Sometimes, other vehicles could be in the way of a train. When a car or train tracks illegally, the other drivers and passengers in the other vehicle could be held responsible for your tragic accident.
• Government entities: Typically, entities such as those in Sacramento may be responsible for injuries that occur on government-owned trains, such as Amtrak.

Can I Receive Compensation for My Sacramento Train Accident Injuries?

If you’ve been injured in a train accident in Sacramento, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Train accidents can cause severe physical, emotional, and economic damage — and victims often face mounting medical bills and lost income while trying to recover.

The type and amount of compensation you can receive depend on your specific losses and the circumstances of your case. Below are common categories of damages available in Sacramento train accident claims:

Types of Compensation You May Recover

• Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you couldn’t work due to your injuries.
• Medical Bills: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
• Future Medical Treatments: If your recovery requires long-term care, you can seek compensation for future medical costs.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and reduced quality of life.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for trauma, anxiety, or depression resulting from the accident.

How Do I Prove Negligence in a Sacramento Train Accident Lawsuit?

To succeed in a train accident lawsuit, you must prove that another party’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This could involve the train operator, the train company, or even a third party responsible for maintenance or track safety.

Four Key Elements of Negligence

1. Duty of Care: The responsible party had a legal duty to operate or maintain the train safely.
2. Breach of Duty: That duty was violated — for example, through reckless operation, failure to maintain equipment, or ignoring safety regulations.
3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused or contributed to the train accident.
4. Damages: You suffered injuries, financial losses, or emotional harm as a result of the accident.

Next Steps After a Train Accident

If you’ve been injured in a Sacramento train crash, it’s crucial to:

1. Seek immediate medical attention.
2. Report the accident to the authorities.
3. Document all evidence — photos, witness contacts, and medical reports.
4. Contact a qualified Sacramento train accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Legal professionals in California personal injury law can help you gather evidence and negotiate with insurance companies.

Have you been injured in a train accident in Sacramento? 

Give us a call. If you have been injured while riding an Amtrak or another train in Sacramento, you have the right to file a lawsuit for your injuries. As a passenger, you could suffer severe back injuries or head injuries. If you were a pedestrian or were a passenger in another vehicle at the time of the accident, you most likely have suffered permanent lifelong injuries that will need future treatments. This will require a highly-rated attorney on your side.

Frequently Asked Questions