Metrolink Train Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a Metrolink accident, it may be possible to recover compensation for your injuries and suffering. Contact train accident attorneys of Pottroff & Karlin LLC to learn more about how you can file a personal injury claim. Our expert lawyers have been advocates for thousands of injured Metrolink accident victims throughout the USA. We have helped numerous people recover millions in much-needed compensation from negligent parties. Contact our offices today to book a free, no-obligation consultation and learn how we can help.

Metrolink Accident Statistics

When roads are congested with heavy traffic, many commuters in the U.S. opt to use public transportation means. The Metrolink rail system is a popular option for commuters in Southern California. Metrolink is the third largest commuter rail system nationally. It recorded a ridership of 12 million in the fiscal year of 2018-2019.  

Public transportation is a convenient way to travel around metropolitan areas. Many commuters choose public transport to avoid the risks congested freeways pose to motorists. However, over the years, traveling via commuter rail has shown to be potentially dangerous too. Although Metrolink’s ridership is among the highest in the nation, it also experiences one of the highest rates of passenger fatalities.

In the period between 1993 and 2008, 218 people died in Metrolink train accidents. Most of the fatalities and the more severe injuries were caused by trains colliding with vehicles and pedestrians at road crossings. Additionally, around 50 people sustained injuries when a LA-bound Metrolink train crashed into a truck standing on the tracks in 2015.

Causes of Metrolink Rail Accidents

Rail is a popular option for those who want to avoid traffic congestion and growing rates of car accidents. However, Metrolink commuters are also at a risk of danger, because a train can crash, derail, or malfunction at any time.

Here are some of the potential causes of Metrolink rail accidents:

•         Fatigued or distracted train operators
•         Inadequate train operator training
•         Speeding
•         Improper maintenance of the train and railway tracks
•         Collision with other trains
•         Intoxication
•         Failure to adhere to safety standards
•         Vehicle derailment

Negligence and Metrolink Rail Accidents

In general, negligence is the legal cause of Metrolink accidents. Negligence is when an entity fails to fulfill their duty to other people. Train operators have a duty to drive the trains in a way that doesn’t put passengers in danger. Hence, a train operator might be viewed as negligent if they operate a train while very fatigued or intoxicated. Train companies have a duty to offer safe railcars to their passengers. So, a train company might be declared negligent if they don’t maintain and service their trains effectively. Overall, anybody who’s responsible for maintaining the safety of Metrolink trains will be negligent if they contribute to a crash.

Establishing Liability for a Metrolink Accident

When you get injured in a Metrolink accident, you might wonder who may be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit. In general, anybody who might have contributed to the accident can potentially be held responsible. The best way to make sure that you recover maximum compensation is by hiring an experienced Metrolink accident lawyer.

When the attorneys at Pottroff & Karlin LLC take a case, they conduct a thorough investigation. That includes reviewing police reports, consulting train experts, and performing legal research for related cases. The investigation helps to establish the technical reason for the accident, and who may be liable for the incident.