Train Accidents

Manhattan Train Accidents Lawyer

When trains are not operated with absolute caution and care, accidents can occur. Because of their incredibly massive size and weight, train accidents are potentially devastating events that can and do result in derailments and toxic spills. The potential for damage in these railroad accident cases is enormous, and they may occur when railroad personnel fail to uphold safety to the fullest capacity. When system safety is not implemented to its highest capacity, it is generally only a matter of time before a train derails. With passenger trains, derailments are nothing short of terrifying and deadly for the victims. Freight train derailments also have their victims, including those who suffer from the effects of toxic spills.

In an industry entrusted with hazardous goods for mass transportation as well as the lives of millions of passengers, system safety and cutting-edge safety engineering must be employed. Trains have the potential to be quite deadly if operated improperly, even in today’s age. Our train accident lawyer is a leading advocate for the safe operation of trains. They often take their stand against train companies when they fail to operate with the legally sanctioned requirements for diligence and care. Railroad safety is our mission and passion. If you’ve been a victim, we invite you to discuss your tragic experiences with a train accident attorney – our accident attorney can help you discern the right course of action to recovery with a free consultation.

Pottroff & Karlin handles all cases of train accidents including:

We can assist with any train accidents that injure people. Our clients suffer many injuries, including fractures, brain injuries, chemical poisoning, internal injuries, and paralysis, among others.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, we’re here to talk. Our team will review your case and follow up to discuss your next steps.

Major Causes of Train Accidents

Train accidents are common. The Federal Railroad Administration reports that 2022 saw 8,733 train accidents across the country, which caused more than 5,000 injuries and 788 deaths. What causes these railroad accidents?

Train driver negligence: A driver might make some critical error due to fatigue, carelessness, distraction, or lack of skill.
Mechanical failure: Any part on the train could fail, causing a derailment. For example, a wheel bearing might fail or brakes could work improperly.
Poor maintenance: The train and tracks require regular inspection and maintenance since they can wear down and malfunction. When maintenance is lacking by the railroad company, accidents occur.
Negligent or reckless motorists: When a driver darts into the tracks, they run the risk of causing an accident at a railroad crossing; the collision cannot be avoided at that moment.
Defective or missing gates or signals: These safety features are critical to preventing accidents, but they could be missing or have fallen into disrepair.

View All Reviews

“Integrity”
“In addition to his substantive contributions to railroad grade crossing safety, I have personally observed his untiring efforts and contributions to improving the integrity of the legal system.”

- Elizabeth Hardy
“Beyond Belief”
“His knowledge of the rail industry and his willingness to share his knowledge with other people who do railroad work is beyond belief to me.”

- Mike Bee
“Given Hope”
“Through his efforts, he has single-handedly given hope to victims who are injured or killed as a result of dangerous railroad crossings”

- Donald Vasos
“Impressed”
“Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads.”

- Jonathon (Jon) C. Clark
“Excellent Results”
“Nathan Karlin has my strongest endorsement in the field of railroad crossing cases and personal injury law.”

- Joseph M. Miller
“Would Recommend Without Hesitation”
“In each case, Nathan always possessed an incredible knowledge of the law and the facts, possessed a great talent for aggressive – strategic legal planning and trial tactics while, at the same time, displaying great skill as an effective negotiator.”

- Scott McCluen
“First Call is Nathan's Firm”
“Nathan’s knowledge and experience in handling and trying cases against these litigation savvy railroad companies gives me the confidence to know that the clients and cases I refer to him are getting the best of the best.”

- James Perrin
“Hard-Working”
“The staff is helpful, professional, and responsive.”

- Tracy D.

A Law Firm with a Purpose

Purpose-Driven Representation

We handle each case with the belief that the legal system should be a tool for positive change. Our work often leads to broader safety improvements, not just individual outcomes.
Focused on Serious Injury Cases

Our practice centers on railroad crossing accidents and other catastrophic injuries. These complex cases demand deep experience and a commitment to long-term impact.
Personalized, Accessible Legal Support

We maintain a welcoming environment where clients are heard, supported, and informed. Our team approach ensures you’re never left wondering where your case stands.
Free Consultations, Contingency-Based Fees
We offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. It’s one way we make justice more accessible for those who need it most.

What Steps to Take after a Train Accident

Accidents involving trains are traumatic, and many victims are unclear about what steps they should take. Below, our train accident attorney offers the best advice for protecting your health and bolstering your train accident case to compensation:

Obtain medical care. Immediate care will improve your ability to recover physically. In some railroad crossing accidents, emergency personnel descend onto the scene to identify the most injured and whisk them away to the emergency room in an ambulance. With other train accidents, it’s up to the victims to call 9-1-1 and seek help or transport themselves to the hospital. We recommend not waiting too long to go, even if you feel “fine” following a crash.
Preserve relevant evidence. The police or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate most train accidents. Our attorney can seek access to this evidence to use for your train accident case. Still, you can boost your claim by preserving some evidence at the scene. Take photographs of the train accident scene with your phone. Keep any evidence that shows you were on the train, such as your ticket stub.
Avoid speaking to the train company or insurance adjusters. You will probably receive a phone call after the train accident from the train company or its insurer. They might seek details about your injuries or what you remember about the derailment. We recommend you hire a train accident attorney before you speak with the railroad industry.
Do not accept the first settlement offer. You might also be surprised to see a settlement tendered so soon after a train accident. Do not accept it without letting your law firm review it first. The odds are very low that this first offer will be fair. Instead, the train company is trying to get you to sign away your rights to fair financial compensation.
Continue with rehabilitation. You want to do everything possible to improve physically and mentally after a train accident. If you don’t, the defendant could claim you aren’t “mitigating” your damages, which can decrease the financial compensation you receive.

Seeking Compensation for a Train Accident

Pottroff & Karlin, has decades of experience negotiating settlements after a train accident. Our train accident lawyer will evaluate your injuries and financial losses to determine how much to seek:

Lost income. Your injuries could prevent you from going back to work immediately, so many of our clients experience substantial income loss. We will argue the defendant should pay to subsidize your lost income or wages.
Property damage. A train accident could have destroyed your car. Similarly, many people suffer property damage to their homes after a toxic spill. The defendant should compensate to fix or replace your damaged property.
Medical bills and rehabilitation expenses. Our clients typically need thousands of dollars in medical care to treat their injuries. The defendant should cover the costs of treatment, including rehab and prescription medication.
Pain and suffering. A train accident victim will likely struggle with physical pain and inconvenience. There is also an emotional aspect, including depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Scarring and permanent disabilities. Train accidents are so traumatic that many victims are permanently disabled or impaired. You deserve compensation to try and make up for these permanent losses.

Our train accident lawyer will fight to negotiate a solid settlement without the need for litigation. Nonetheless, we are prepared to sue, where necessary, to protect your rights.

Who Do We Sue for Compensation?

At Pottroff & Karlin, our train accident lawyer carefully investigates the evidence to identify all people responsible for the railroad accident. We can add them as defendants and negotiate with them for a settlement. Some common defendants include:

Engineers: Careless engineers are responsible for many accidents. Although we can sue them, they often lack the financial resources to pay full compensation. Helpfully, we can usually add other defendants.
Railroad companies: Railroads are typically responsible when a defect on a train leads to an accident. Rail companies are also liable when a negligent engineer causes a crash.
Track owners: When a defect on the track leads to a derailment or other accident, the owner is likely responsible. They have to inspect and maintain train tracks, as well as lights, bells, and crossing arms. Many tracks are owned by private companies or even the government.
Manufacturers: Equipment failure causes many train accidents, including derailments. The manufacturer could be legally liable when a defect on the train or tracks leads to an accident and injuries.
Motorists: Some train accidents stem from motorists darting onto the tracks and causing a collision. Reckless motorists even drive around crossing guards or arms because they are in a hurry. Our train accident lawyer can sue these dangerous motorists for your injuries.

Speak with a Train Accident Lawyer Today

Pottroff & Karlin, LLC, is one of the few personal injury firms with experience helping train accident victims. If you have questions about your legal rights, we have answers. We are pleased to offer a free, no-obligation consultation to anyone with questions.

Call our train accident attorney today at (785) 453-3109.

Continue Reading Read Less

Have You or a Loved One Been Hurt?

Send us a few details and we’ll contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Pottroff & Karlin at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Purpose-Driven Representation

We handle each case with the belief that the legal system should be a tool for positive change. Our work often leads to broader safety improvements, not just individual outcomes.
Focused on Serious Injury Cases

Our practice centers on railroad crossing accidents and other catastrophic injuries. These complex cases demand deep experience and a commitment to long-term impact.
Personalized, Accessible Legal Support

We maintain a welcoming environment where clients are heard, supported, and informed. Our team approach ensures you’re never left wondering where your case stands.
Free Consultations, Contingency-Based Fees
We offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. It’s one way we make justice more accessible for those who need it most.