Walnut Creek Train Accident Lawyer

Many people think that traveling by train is much safer than taking an airplane, or even traveling by car or bus. Unfortunately, train accidents are much more common than most people think, and the injuries that result from them are some of the most serious. Just like in other types of accidents, victims can recover damages after a train accident, but these cases are incredibly complex. A Walnut Creek train accident lawyer can ensure injured individuals receive the fair settlement they need to recover from their injuries.

Determining Liability After a Train Accident

When two cars are involved in an accident on the roads, it is usually the negligence of one party that caused the crash. Unfortunately, a number of parties can be liable in a train accident, including:

• The owner or operator of the train: Freight and passenger train companies are responsible for ensuring their train, rail cars, and any other type of equipment they use is safe and in good condition. They must also ensure they are hiring capable and responsible people that know how to do their jobs, and to train and supervise them properly. Any time an owner or operator of a train fails to meet these responsibilities, they can be held liable.
• The owner of the tracks: In many cases, the government is responsible for the actual train tracks, and making sure they too, are in good condition and will not cause an accident. Other times, it is a private company that owns the tracks used by trains. Regardless of which party owns the tracks, victims can hold them liable when they are not in good condition and cause a crash.
• Drivers of motor vehicles: Motorists sometimes try to cross a track before the signals start flashing, or before the safety rails are fully down. This is negligent behavior and extremely careless and drivers can be held liable when they have acted in such a manner.
• Manufacturers: Trains rely on many manufacturers for their equipment. Any time these manufacturers do not ensure their equipment is safe to use, and it is defective or faulty, it can lead to a train accident. In these instances, the manufacturer can be held liable.

Clearly, it is not always easy to determine which liable party caused an accident. A train accident lawyer in Walnut Creek will know how to determine liability, and prove it so victims claim the full damages they deserve.

Damages Available After a Train Accident

Like all other types of accidents, injured individuals are eligible to receive a number of different types of compensation. The most common types of damages awarded in train accident claims are as follows:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Loss of earning capacity
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing life care

After reviewing the facts of a case, a lawyer can determine the specific damages available.

Call a Walnut Creek Train Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a train accident, call our train accident attorney in Walnut Creek today. At Brod Law Firm, we will determine who was at fault for the crash, and help you recover the full damages you need. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.

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