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Trains Accidents in California
California hosts an estimated 7,000-plus miles of railroad track throughout the state, providing plentiful rail routes to fulfill both passenger and freight transportation needs. Metrolink commuter trains, intercity trains and Amtrak offer short and long-distance service in the state. Their presence throughout California means that trains are a key form of transit in the state. But it also means that there are a lot of railroad crossings, making car-train accidents a distinct possibility. Other types of crashes involving trains also can cause serious injuries or death. If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a train, seek the guidance of a qualified personal injury attorney.
Causes of Train Accidents
Across the U.S., someone is struck by a train about every two hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is frightening to consider the kinds of injuries that can occur when trains are involved in collisions because an average freight train weighs approximately 12 million pounds. In addition, the average train requires more than a mile of track to come to a stop.
The Federal Railroad Administration attributes train accidents to a number of primary causes:
- Human factors
- Defects in tracks
- Equipment failure or problems
- Defects with signals
The Federal Railroad Administration reports that more than 95% of the fatalities linked to train crashes happen in highway-rail or trespassing incidents. Highway-rail accidents encompass collisions that happen at railroad crossings and may include motor vehicles or other road or sidewalk users. Trespassing on railroad property leads to death for hundreds of people in the U.S. every year, and the FRA points to California as a leader in such incidents.
Train Accident Injuries
Injuries resulting from train accidents may include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and other head wounds, spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, lacerations, and just about any other type of injury the human body could sustain. The overwhelming size and weight of trains, combined with speed, provides a recipe for disaster where individuals are concerned. Survivors of train crashes may find themselves facing life-changing injuries. Permanent disability and disfigurement are distinct possibilities.
Contact us to speak with a train accident lawyer.
Our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys understand the circumstances that contribute to train accidents. We know that a train crash can cause massive injuries, including both physical and emotional devastation. If you have been hurt in a train accident or lost a loved one because of a train crash, our tenacious personal injury attorneys can help you recover any damages you may be due.
We are not afraid to challenge big insurance companies or the organizations that operate Metrolink and other train systems. Our attorneys are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation available for those injured in train crashes and other accidents. If you have suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in a train accident, call Amicus Legal Group and ask for a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers. If we do not recover monetary damages for you, you owe our firm nothing.
Client Testimonials
John-Paul is a superb attorney. He was my mentor when I was in law school, and now as an attorney I still go to him for advice on complex cases. When my brother required representation I referred him to John-Paul. That is how highly I think of JP as an attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs representation.
Kit Westbrook
John-Paul is an extremely effective criminal defense attorney. The one thing that makes him stand out from other defense attorneys is that he talks to his clients to learn the circumstances surrounding their incident and then he makes a forceful and articulate argument in defense of his clients. I recommend my clients to John-Paul when they are in need of a criminal defense attorney because I know he will stand up for them.
Stephen Rinka
Occasionally you meet another attorney who is so impressive both personally and professionally that you want to be affiliated with them in any way you can both personally and professionally. That is how I feel about John-Paul. I not only consider him one of the finest attorneys I know, but I now proudly call him my friend. He is among the very best.
David Booth
Attorney John Paul-Serrao helped us to win our case against the insurance company after we were involved in a traffic accident where our car was rear ended, we tried to handle it ourselves with the insurance company and they did not want to cooperate with us, so we hired Mr. Serrao and he was able to get us a settlement above with the insurance company was willing to pay. I would highly recommend him.
Lupe G.
John-Paul took my civil case when no one else would because other lawyers didn’t have confidence in my daughter who has special needs to testify, if needed. John-Paul won her case against the school district without a jury because he cared about my child, believed she was honest and deserved justice. He still doesn’t mind taking my calls whenever I have a question regarding her case.
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I had the pleasure of working a very large scale drug case with Mr. Serrao, representing co-defendants. Mr. Serrao was a pleasure to work with. Highly skilled and very aggressive in his advocacy on his client’s behalf. I highly recommend Mr. Serrao for anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney.
Babak Farahan
John-Paul is well known in our community as a smart and effective criminal defense lawyer who is sensitive to his clients’ situations and responsive to their needs. I refer my clients to him with confidence when they need help with the criminal justice system.
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Mr. Serrao worked on my DUI charge earlier this year and all I can say is WOW! Not only did he keep me updated with the case but his knowledge of the process helped calm my nerves, which was very important to me. He showed care for me as a client and I can’t thank him enough. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a quality criminal defense attorney.
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