Penney and Associates hits a substantial $14,000,000 (14 million dollar) case in Riverside County for their client, a fast food restaurant cook.
Train Accident ATTORNEYS
Millions of people rely on trains for transportation across California every day. While they're generally considered safe, train accidents can occur with devastating consequences.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a train accident, Penney & Associates can help. We have represented thousands of personal injury victims throughout California, and we have the knowledge, resources, and dedication needed to hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation you deserve
WHY HIRE PENNEY & ASSOCIATES?
Train accident cases require specialized legal knowledge that goes beyond typical personal injury claims. These cases involve complex federal regulations, multiple potential defendants, and challenging liability issues that demand experienced representation.
WHY YOU NEED A SPECIALIZED TRAIN ACCIDENT LAWYER:
- Train accidents involve unique federal laws and regulations such as the Federal Railroad Safety Act
- Multiple parties may share liability, including railroad companies, train operators, equipment manufacturers, and others
- Evidence can be difficult to obtain and preserve without immediate legal intervention
- Railroad companies have teams of experienced attorneys ready to minimize their liability
- Statute of limitations for filing claims can vary based on the type of railroad and circumstances
HOW WE HANDLE YOUR CASE:
- Immediate investigation to preserve critical evidence
- Thorough accident reconstruction to determine exact causes
- Identification of all responsible parties
- Expert witness consultation with railroad safety specialists
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies and railroad legal teams
- Full preparation for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
YOU CAN AFFORD AN TRAIN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Penney & Associates takes train accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs needed to pursue your claim, and you only pay attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures everyone has access to experienced legal representation, regardless of their financial situation, and aligns our interests with yours—we only get paid when you do.
TYPES AND CAUSES OF TRAIN ACCIDENTS
CALIFORNIA TRAIN ACCIDENT STATISTICS
California leads the United States in fatal train collisions on railroad tracks. In 2023, there were 38 deaths reported in California, followed by Florida with 21 fatalities, according to California Operation Lifesaver. The trend continued in 2024 with at least 12 train collisions in San Diego County alone, including incidents in Carlsbad, Vista, Encinitas, Old Town, and Sorrento Valley.
COMMON TYPES OF TRAIN ACCIDENTS:
- Train-vehicle collisions at crossings
- Train derailments
- Train-pedestrian accidents
- Collisions between trains
- Platform accidents
- Accidents involving railroad workers
- Hazardous material spills
CAUSES OF TRAIN ACCIDENTS:
- Engineer or conductor negligence
- Inadequate or failed warning signals at crossings
- Insufficient training of railroad personnel
- Mechanical failures or defective equipment
- Track defects or poor maintenance
- Obstructed views at crossings
- Communication errors between railroad personnel
- Excessive speed
- Improper loading of cargo
- Fatigue or impairment of operators
The complex nature of train accidents often means that multiple factors contribute to a single incident. Penney & Associates thoroughly investigates each case to identify all potential causes and responsible parties, giving our clients the strongest possible legal position.
WHO MAY BE HELD LIABLE FOR RAILWAY ACCIDENTS?
Liability in train accident cases is often complex and may involve multiple parties. Determining who is responsible requires thorough investigation and knowledge of railroad regulations and operations. Potential liable parties include:
RAILROAD COMPANIES
Major passenger and commuter rail operators in California such as Amtrak, Metrolink, BART, Caltrain, and LA Metro may be held liable for accidents involving their trains and facilities. These entities have a legal duty to maintain safe operations, properly train employees, and ensure their equipment and tracks meet safety standards. They may, for example, be held liable for:
- Inadequate maintenance of tracks, signals, or crossing gates
- Failure to properly train employees
- Negligent hiring or retention of unqualified personnel
- Insufficient safety protocols
- Failure to address known hazards
TRAIN OPERATORS
Train engineers, conductors, and other operational staff may be held liable actions such as:
- Operating trains while fatigued or impaired
- Exceeding speed limits
- Failing to sound warnings at crossings
- Negligent handling of train controls
- Ignoring signals or dispatchers' instructions
OTHER POTENTIAL DEFENDANTS
- Equipment manufacturers if defective parts contributed to the accident
- Maintenance contractors responsible for track or signal upkeep
- Government entities responsible for roadway design at crossings
- Motor vehicle drivers who ignore crossing signals or stop on tracks
- Property owners who fail to maintain visibility at private crossings
RAILROAD CRASH COMPENSATION
Victims of train accidents often face devastating injuries, significant medical expenses, lost income, and profound changes to their quality of life. At Penney & Associates, we fight vigorously to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation for all their losses.
TYPES OF DAMAGES AVAILABLE
Train accident victims may be entitled to several types of compensation, including but not limited to:
- Economic Damages - These cover tangible financial losses with specific dollar amounts
- Non-Economic Damages - These compensate for intangible losses that affect quality of life
- Punitive Damages - In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, these may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer
WHAT VICTIMS CAN RECOVER
Our train accident attorneys work diligently to help you recover compensation for various losses, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- In wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship
These are just some examples of what may be recoverable. Every train accident case is unique, and the value depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, long-term prognosis, impact on your ability to work, and the degree of negligence involved.
If you've been injured in a train accident, don't face these powerful corporations and their legal teams on your own. Contact Penney & Associates today for a free consultation.
The Penney & Associates® firm has offices in Sacramento, Roseville, Santa Clara, Chico, Rocklin and Irvine with satellite offices in Fairfield, Sunnyvale, San Francisco, San Diego and Southern California.