Our Riverside train accident attorneys have been representing residents of Riverside County for over 46 years. Bisnar Chase is a top-rated injury law firm, and we will fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve.
If you have ever taken a ride on the Metrolink in Riverside County, you know that traveling by train is a safe and cost-effective way to get around. Statistically, it is safer to ride a train than to travel by car. However, accidents still happen. When they do, they tend to be catastrophic and deadly.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a train accident, you need the right lawyers on your side. Whether the train accident was caused by human error or a lack of maintenance, it is important that the victim gets the support and compensation they need.
The Best Train Accident Lawyers Near You
You can trust our team at Bisnar Chase to build your case and get the best possible results for you.
- We have a 99% success rate.
- Our team has recovered more than $900 million for our clients.
- We have an office in Riverside and are committed to making the legal process as easy as possible.
- In business since 1978, with decades of experience.
- Offering a free consultation – no win, no fee.
Our experienced Riverside personal injury lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help you fight for your rights, stay up to date on every development regarding your case, and hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Please call us today at (951) 530-3711 or send us a message for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation with no obligations.
Legal Resources for Train Accidents in Riverside
Causes of Metrolink Accidents in Riverside
Metrolink is a regional rail system that connects Riverside County to San Bernardino, Orange County, and Los Angeles County. The purpose of the railroad system is to relieve congestion on our busy highways and freeways and offer an alternative mode of transport.
Metrolink is busy year-round and is relatively safe. However, train accidents still happen, and there are instances of severe injuries. Some of the most common causes of train injuries include:
- Operator Error: There are plenty of instances of people making mistakes. This might include the driver going too quickly, driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or texting while behind the controls.
- Signal Issues: Trains rely on signal operators for their journeys to go smoothly. When a signalman makes a mistake, it can put everyone at risk. In some extreme examples, trains have crashed into each other after mistakenly ending up on the same line.
- Mechanical Issues: In some cases, train crashes are caused by system or equipment malfunctions. This could involve the failure of automated processes or sensors, something breaking that creates a hazard, or a mechanical malfunction, such as the brakes failing.
- Improper Maintenance: A failure to conduct regular checks and complete required maintenance on trains, tracks, and equipment can increase the chances of a dangerous incident.
- Track Blockages: Some high-profile accidents are not caused by errors on the part of the train company, but by external issues. Examples include drivers misusing a train crossing and trying to get their vehicle across while a train is approaching, or a pedestrian trespassing on the tracks.
- Weather and Natural Occurrences: Extreme weather conditions and related hazards, such as flooding, landslides, and downed trees, can pose dangers to trains.
- Vandalism: Because train tracks cover vast areas, including some that are not well monitored, they can be targets for deliberate vandalism or sabotage. Bored youngsters could cause minor issues, while malicious acts of terrorism can pose greater dangers.
- Other Issues: Train accidents can also result from subpar operating regulations, communication protocols, and other issues.
Train Accident Case Study
Many forms of negligence can lead to a train accident in Riverside County and the Inland Empire. All of the potential hazards and issues listed above have caused train accidents and near misses in recent memory.
Driver distraction can be a major factor in train accidents. For instance, a train engineer who was texting while driving ran a red light and caused a Metrolink crash in Chatsworth that claimed 25 lives and injured 135 others.
According to the results of an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the engineer sent or received 43 text messages while on duty that day. His last text went out 22 seconds before the crash.
Contact the best Riverside train accident lawyers in your area for the superior representation that you deserve. Bisnar Chase is a top-rated law firm with an outstanding track record. We have won millions of dollars in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, and we can help you too. Contact us for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Riverside Train Accident Lawyer?
At Bisnar Chase, we have been in business for over four decades. We have seen every type of case and outcome over that time. Studies show that working with the right law firm increases the money you can win, even after the attorney’s fees.
It’s not just about the money, though. Our firm provides the support and guidance you need after an accident, handling every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
- We will file your claim and observe all court deadlines. It is especially important to keep on top of things if we are taking action against a government entity, as a governmental claim has tighter deadlines.
- Lawsuits are expensive, but our firm will cover all the costs necessary to win your case, so you never have to pay anything out of pocket.
- We will build your case, collecting evidence, conducting depositions, and working with expert witnesses.
- Our team will handle all negotiations. If a settlement cannot be reached, our team comprises talented trial lawyers who will take your case to court when needed.
- We will keep you updated on the status of your case at all times.
If you are unsure about what to do or where to turn after a train accident, get in contact with our team. We will talk you through your options and ensure you have the best possible advice before making any decisions.
No Win No Fee Train Injury Lawyers
Ideally, the parties responsible for your injuries will offer victims fair compensation that covers all medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, this rarely occurs without the help of a skilled train accident attorney.
Insurance companies and defense lawyers who work for these companies make it tough for injured victims or families of deceased victims to secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.
The Riverside train accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase have recovered almost one billion dollars for our clients with a 99% success rate. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no fee if we don’t win your case. We advance the upfront costs required, from filing fees to hiring experts and investigators.
Our fees come from the final settlement, so you never have to pay anything out of pocket. If we don’t win, you owe nothing, making the entire process risk-free for our clients. Call (951) 530-3711 now for a free consultation.
Who Is Liable For a Train Accident?
We know that train accidents can happen and that a wide range of factors can cause a crash. But who is legally responsible? The liable party refers to anyone against whom we can file a valid legal claim for your injuries and damages.
The most common negligent parties include:
- The train company.
- A government agency.
- Railway employees.
- Equipment manufacturers.
The responsible parties will depend on the type of train involved and the circumstances of the crash. Anyone whose negligence contributes to an accident and subsequent injuries could potentially be held liable.
Multiple parties can be named in an injury lawsuit. Bisnar Chase will identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Train Accident
If you are the passenger on a train during an accident, you may get thrown from your seat or get struck by flying objects. You may even suffer lacerations from broken glass or a concussion from striking your head against the train’s interior. It is important that you remain at the scene of the accident and notify the authorities that you have been injured.
If you have a cell phone, take photos or even videos of where you were seated and the injuries you have suffered. If possible get your name in the incident report. Seek medical attention immediately to maximize your chances of a quick and full recovery.
If you are a vehicle occupant, bicyclist, or pedestrian struck by a train, it is absolutely vital that you remain at the scene and call the police. It can help to have photos of the crash scene and contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident.
Having as much information and physical evidence from the scene as possible can be invaluable during your claims process.
Riverside Train Accident Prevention
It is crucial that drivers of vehicles take measures to be safe near railroad tracks throughout Riverside County. If the arm goes down and the flashing lights and bells go off, drivers must stop and not try to go around.
Often, the responsibility for train accidents falls directly on the conductor, engineer, the railroad or the company that operates the train. These companies are considered common carriers under the law.
This means that they owe the highest duty of care to their passengers. They have a legal obligation to transport their passengers safely.
Train companies must be thorough in their hiring process, supervise and monitor their employees and ensure that all engineers and conductors are properly trained. It is also necessary to regularly inspect tracks for cracks and breaks.
Railroad crossings should be examined to ensure that warning lights and speakers are working properly. A number of accidents occur at train crossings because of lights and arms that fail to work properly or malfunction at crossings.
Train Accidents in the Inland Empire
In 2015, a freight train derailed near Mira Loma in Riverside County, killing three people. In early 2015, a bicyclist was killed by a train in Riverside.
There have also been many instances of freight trains colliding with tractor trailers causing multiple injuries and deaths in the United States. An experienced train accident lawyer can advise you of your rights and potential compensation for your injuries.
Award-Winning Riverside Train Accident Lawyers Near You
If you plan on taking action against the train company or any other at-fault parties concerning your accident, it is imperative to hire a seasoned and skilled Riverside train accident lawyer.
Not only will the at-fault party have their own defense lawyers, but the law concerning train accidents is so dense and complicated that you may not get the full amount of compensation that you deserve. Worst case scenario, you could lose the case and ultimately waste time and money that could have been used to recover from your initial injuries.
At Bisnar Chase, it is our mission to advocate for the little guys who do not have a voice against big companies or government entities. We know the law better than any other law firm in the Inland Empire, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If we cannot live up to this promise or if we lose your case, you do not have to pay anything. However, our track record of serving clients in the Inland Empire makes us a safe bet that we will not only fight for you but also win.
One of our leading Riverside train accident attorneys will sit down one-on-one with you and discuss the details of your case. He will also answer any questions you may have. If you are injured and cannot come to us, we will come out to you.
With so little to lose and so much to gain, why wait any longer to see justice served?
Contact us today for the superior representation and maximum compensation you deserve. Call us at (951) 530-3711 for a free consultation. You can also email us, or send a message through our 24/7 website live chat. We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you.
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $900M for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered nearly $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
