Train Accident Attorneys in Sacramento

There are also other trains that are known to go longer distances and may have trips that are several hours long. For example, the California Zephyr is one of the long-distance trains that goes through Sacramento. Besides commuter trains, there are also several different types of freight trains that go through the county on a daily basis in order to transfer goods from one place to another.

What happens during a train accident case evaluation?

When you meet with our top-rated 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 different factors, including the different parties involved, how the accident happened, the injuries that you suffered from the accident, and whether you are still getting treated for your injuries today. Contact 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 what wrongful death claims are, contact our Sacramento attorneys for more information. 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:

• Slip and fall accidents:  if you are a passenger in the train, and you suffered a slip and fall accident, you 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. When sodas and other beverages fall to the ground, they may not get cleaned up right away. This then increases the risk of a slip and fall accident with 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 riding trains do not wear a seatbelt. Some trains are not even equipped with a seatbelt. 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 drives the train at high rates of speed. The train may not be able to come to a complete stop in the event that there is an object or a vehicle, and the train may derail.
• Fires: Sometimes, train accidents and collisions could lead to fires. When fires occur, all passengers must evacuate immediately, or they could suffer burn injuries.

If you were another driver:

• Train collisions with cars:  if you were in a vehicle, and the train derailed and collided with the vehicle, you could file a lawsuit for the injuries that you have suffered. Unfortunately, mechanical failures have the possibility of leading to train derailments. Because trains must always be maintained, the likelihood of train derailments is high 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 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 top-rated 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 an experienced 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 number one responsible party for train accidents. Usually, train accidents are caused by the operator’s negligence, such as speeding, negligently driving the train, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or fatigued driving.
• Train 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 actions when they act negligently 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: Sometimes, mechanical failure could be caused by a defect in the train part. This defect could lead to equipment failure, which could then increase the risk of a train derailment. Give our attorneys a call today to discuss how you could finally lawsuit against a defective train part manufacturer. This falls under a separate type of lawsuit called product liability, which is entirely different from negligence.
• Other drivers: Sometimes, other vehicles could be in the way of a train. When a vehicle is on a train track illegally, the other drivers and passengers in the other vehicle could be held responsible for your train accident.
• Government entities: Usually, government entities, like the city of Sacramento, could be held 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 financial 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 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.

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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.

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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 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 experienced in California personal injury law can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation.

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.

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