$36.0M
Fresno pedestrian accident settlement: a commercial delivery van struck a child crossing the street, causing a traumatic brain injury and other serious injuries.
Personal Injury
California Train Accident Lawyer
Hurt on a Metrolink, Amtrak or light rail train, at a railroad crossing, or while working for a railroad in California? Wilshire Law Firm, an award-winning, nationally recognized team, takes on railroads and transit agencies across the state. A legal professional can review your case for free at any hour, and there are no fees unless you get paid.
- $3B+RECOVERED
- 7X"BEST LAW FIRM" AWARDS
- 24/7AVAILABILITY & SUPPORT
- 500+LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Key Takeaways
- Metrolink, Metro Rail, BART and California’s light rail systems are run by public agencies, so a written claim is due within six months of the injury (Gov. Code §911.2).
- Amtrak itself isn’t a California public entity, so the two-year deadline usually governs claims against it (49 U.S.C. §24301; Code Civ. Proc. §335.1), though the agencies that oversee its California routes can still require a six-month claim.
- Passenger trains must be run with the utmost diligence for riders’ safety (Civ. Code §2100).
- Lead locomotives on trains faster than 30 mph must carry an event recorder, and after an accident that must be reported to federal regulators the railroad generally must keep the data for one year (49 C.F.R. §229.135).
- Injured railroad workers sue under FELA, which covers injuries caused in whole or in part by the railroad’s negligence and allows three years to file (45 U.S.C. §§51, 56).
Understanding Your Train Accident Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Railroads and transit agencies defend these cases hard, and our record shows we are ready: 31 of our settlements appear on TopVerdict's list of the top 100 personal injury settlements in California for 2025, including a $36 million settlement ranked fourth in the state. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Train cases are technical. They turn on event recorder downloads, signal and crossing records, dispatch communications, track and equipment maintenance files and federal accident reports, and the railroad or agency controls most of that evidence. We send preservation demands immediately, work with rail-safety and reconstruction experts, and handle every conversation with the railroads, agencies and insurers. There are no fees unless you get paid.
The operator decides which rules apply to your claim.
- Metrolink commuter trains are run by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, a joint powers authority of five county transportation agencies.
- Metro Rail light rail and subway lines are run by LA Metro; the San Diego Trolley by San Diego MTS; COASTER and SPRINTER trains by the North County Transit District; and light rail in Sacramento and Santa Clara County by SacRT and VTA.
- BART and Muni Metro serve the Bay Area, and Caltrain is run by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board.
- Amtrak operates the state-supported Pacific Surfliner, Gold Runner (the former San Joaquins) and Capitol Corridor trains. By statute it is managed as a for-profit company rather than a federal agency (49 U.S.C. §24301), while the three routes are overseen by California joint powers authorities, which are public agencies. Amtrak's ticket terms also contain an arbitration agreement.
- Freight railroads such as Union Pacific and BNSF are private companies.
Claims against the public operators, including the agencies that manage Amtrak's California routes, require a written government claim within six months (Gov. Code §911.2). Claims against Amtrak itself and freight railroads follow ordinary deadlines. The public transportation accident guide has a table of claim rules for each agency.
Most train and railroad accidents trace back to preventable failures: operator error, fatigue or distraction; excessive speed for track conditions; signal malfunctions; track, switch and equipment defects; crossing gates and warning lights that fail or are poorly maintained; obstructed sightlines at crossings; and platform hazards such as gaps, doors closing on passengers and overcrowding. Passengers are also hurt by sudden stops and jolts, and by falls on station stairs and escalators. Establishing which party's negligence caused the accident is central to your claim, and our attorneys handle that investigation for you.
California law requires drivers and pedestrians to halt no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail whenever a signal device or flagger is warning of a train, or a train is near enough to be an immediate hazard, and it bars going through, around or under a closed gate (Veh. Code §22451). That does not end the analysis. Railroads and transit agencies must maintain crossing signals and gates, keep sightlines clear and sound warnings, and a crossing that malfunctions or is known to be dangerous can make them responsible. A public agency can be liable for a dangerous condition of its property that its employees created, or that it knew or should have known about in time to fix (Gov. Code §§835, 835.2). Being partly at fault doesn't end the case; California reduces the award by the injured person's share instead (Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804). Crossing cases for pedestrians and drivers both start with the signal records.
Because of their size and force, trains often cause catastrophic injuries: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, crush injuries, fractures, burns and internal injuries, and fatal accidents that give rise to wrongful death claims. Passengers thrown by a sudden stop or derailment often suffer head and back injuries even when the train stays on the track. Future care is often the largest part of these claims, which is why we document injuries with treating physicians and, where needed, a life-care planner. A legal professional can review the full scope of your losses during a free case review.
Yes. Workers for a railroad engaged in interstate commerce, such as freight and Amtrak crews, are generally covered by the Federal Employers' Liability Act rather than state workers' compensation (New York Central R.R. Co. v. Winfield (1917) 244 U.S. 147). FELA makes the railroad liable for an employee's injury or death resulting "in whole or in part" from its negligence (45 U.S.C. §51). The worker's own share of fault reduces the award in proportion but does not bar it (45 U.S.C. §53), and a FELA lawsuit must be filed within three years (45 U.S.C. §56). Unlike workers' compensation, FELA lets injured workers recover compensatory damages, including pain and suffering. If you were hurt working on or around the rails, a legal professional can tell you which law applies.
Our attorneys guide you through every step. We identify the operator and every other responsible party, present any government claim inside the six-month window, and demand preservation of the evidence the railroad controls. Lead locomotives on trains running faster than 30 miles per hour must carry an event recorder that logs speed, throttle and braking and, where equipped, cab signals, and after an accident that must be reported to the Federal Railroad Administration the railroad generally must preserve that data for one year (49 C.F.R. §229.135). We also pursue dispatch recordings, signal and crossing logs, video, inspection and maintenance records, and the railroad's accident report. Train accident clients work with our teams in Sacramento, Oakland, Los Angeles, Riverside, Irvine and San Diego. We work on a contingency basis, which means there are no fees unless you get paid.
In most cases against Amtrak or a freight railroad, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Code Civ. Proc. §335.1). A public rail system such as Metrolink, Metro Rail, BART or a light rail agency must first receive a written claim within six months of the injury (Gov. Code §911.2), and the public transportation accident guide explains what follows. Railroad employees suing under FELA have three years (45 U.S.C. §56). Event recorder data and video can be lost long before those dates, so early action matters.
Meet Our Train Accident Attorneys
Nationally Recognized Powerhouse, Fighting for the Justice You Deserve
Our award-winning attorneys have recovered billions for clients while taking on insurance companies and major corporations.
Learn more about the team
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Colin M. Jones, Esq.Senior Partner and Senior Trial Attorney, Chair of the Personal Injury Litigation Department
Jennifer P. Burkes, Esq.Senior Partner & Strategic Advisor, Personal Injury Litigation Department
Mary Lee Caruso, Esq.Senior Partner
Ryan Casey, Esq.Senior Partner and Trial Attorney
Tae-Yoon Kim, Esq.Senior Partner
Philip Andonian, Esq.Partner and Trial Attorney
Alivia E. Abreu, Esq.Partner
Shervin G. Ghanoongooi, Esq.Partner
Christopher Goodroe, Esq.Partner
Nathan A. Guest, Esq.Partner and Trial Attorney
Brian M. Jacobson, Esq.Partner
Ariella Perry, Esq.PartnerRecent wins
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$28.7M
Victorville pedestrian accident settlement: a car struck a child waiting to cross the street, causing catastrophic injuries. Defendants included the driver, a business and three public entities.
$14.5M
Mountain View premises liability settlement: a concertgoer suffered a traumatic brain injury at an event venue. The claim focused on the venue's duty to keep guests safe.
$12.8M
Pomona wrongful death settlement: a worker riding home in a company vehicle died when another driver rear-ended it on the 10 Freeway, leaving a spouse and four children.
$12.0M
California workplace accident verdict: a hospital explosion left a worker with burn injuries. Claims against the hospital, a utility and an electrical contractor cited code violations.
$11.3M
Pomona truck accident settlement: a big rig hit a stopped vehicle on the freeway as a driver checked on it, causing serious head and leg injuries.
$11.0M
California truck accident settlement: a tow truck lost control, crossed three highway lanes and rear-ended a driver, causing a traumatic brain injury and other serious injuries.
$10.5M
Sonoma County truck accident settlement: a big rig rear-ended a driver, pushing the car into a second big rig and causing serious injuries.
$10.3M
Los Angeles wrongful death settlement: a truck struck a motorcyclist who lost control on a lifted trench plate. The rider died, and the claims cited missing warning signs.
$9.5M
Riverside County bicycle accident settlement: a pothole made a rider fall, leaving serious head injuries. Claims against public entities alleged a dangerous road condition.
$9.1M
Pasadena wrongful death settlement: a company work truck turning left hit a pedestrian at high speed in a crosswalk. The pedestrian died.
$8.5M
Bakersfield car accident settlement: a rear-end collision injured an occupant of one of the vehicles involved, leaving the occupant with a head injury.
$8.0M
Santa Monica pedestrian accident settlement: a city tractor struck a person who was on foot on the beach at night, causing serious head injuries.
$7.1M
San Diego County car accident settlement: a crash with a pickup on a state highway left a driver hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury and other serious injuries.
$6.3M
Riverside County sexual abuse case.
$6.0M
Rialto premises liability settlement: a store's motorized cart rolled when its brakes did not hold, causing a shopper to fall onto concrete and suffer serious head and back injuries.
$5.8M
San Diego County car accident settlement: a rear-end collision broke a passenger's seat, leaving the passenger with a serious neck injury and back pain.
$5.8M
Los Angeles pedestrian accident settlement: a truck struck a person crossing a city street, leaving the pedestrian with serious injuries and leg pain.
$5.3M
Fresno bus accident settlement: a passenger tilted into a window on a curve when a safety lock the driver had not checked failed, causing a serious neck injury.
$5.0M
Ontario wrongful death settlement: a commercial truck clipped a cyclist at a freeway exit. The rider hit his head in the fall and died about a week later.
$5.0M
San Diego County truck accident settlement: a car-carrier truck rear-ended a driver on Interstate 5 and pushed the car about half a mile, causing neck and back pain.
$5.0M
Hanford motorcycle accident settlement: a pickup turned left in front of a motorcyclist, causing a traumatic brain injury and serious back, neck and hip injuries.
$5.0M
Lake Elsinore car accident settlement: a vehicle occupant suffered a traumatic brain injury, serious neck injuries and arm injuries when a rear-end collision overturned the vehicle.
$4.4M
Redondo Beach slip and fall settlement: a visitor walking down the stairs at a waterfront restaurant fell and suffered permanent catastrophic injuries.
$4.3M
Bakersfield slip and fall settlement: a customer tripped and fell just outside a pharmacy entrance, causing neck, lower back and leg injuries.
$4.1M
Santa Monica car accident settlement: a commercial pickup ran a red light and hit a car crossing on green, leaving the driver with headaches, dizziness and leg pain.
$4.1M
Riverside motorcycle accident settlement: a parcel delivery truck suddenly pulled out into the path of a motorcyclist, causing serious head, arm and other injuries.
$4.0M
Lancaster sexual abuse case.
$4.0M
Los Angeles slip and fall settlement: a shopper slipped on unmarked water in a grocery store and fell forward into a cart, causing head and other injuries.
$4.0M
California car accident settlement: a driver whose light had turned green suffered serious head, neck and back injuries when a commercial pickup ran a red light and broadsided the vehicle.
$3.8M
Menifee car accident settlement: a driver making an unsafe lane change struck a car carrying a passenger, who suffered serious neck and back injuries.
$3.7M
Salinas motorcycle accident settlement: a big rig making a wide turn struck a motorcyclist stopped at a stop sign, leaving the rider with serious back injuries.
$3.5M
Riverside County truck accident settlement: a big rig carrying a sleeping occupant hit a semi whose trailer allegedly lacked working lights, causing serious neck and back injuries.
$3.5M
California car accident settlement: a motorist unable to stop in slowing rainy-day traffic on the 101 rear-ended a pickup, and its driver reported leg, neck and lower back pain.
$3.5M
Fullerton premises liability settlement: a loose apartment stair railing shifted as a person held it, causing a fall down the stairs and serious injuries to both arms.
$3.3M
Los Angeles car accident settlement: a commercial vehicle struck a stopped car, injuring the person inside and leaving the car a total loss.
$3.3M
Pasadena wrongful death settlement: a person died outside a convenience store, and the family brought claims. Defendants included the store chain and a security company.
$3.2M
Los Angeles wrongful death settlement: a produce delivery worker fell from atop pallets while unloading a truck into a warehouse cooler and died two days later.
$3.1M
El Monte car accident settlement: a commercial vehicle collided with a car in a major-impact crash, leaving an occupant with serious neck and lower back injuries.
$3.0M
Riverside County car accident settlement: an oncoming pickup rear-ended another vehicle and pushed it head-on into a driver, who suffered serious leg injuries and other injuries.
$3.0M
Riverside County sexual abuse case.
$3.0M
Hesperia truck accident settlement: a big rig and a car collided during a left turn, leaving an occupant of the car with head and arm injuries.
$3.0M
California car accident settlement: a commercial vehicle and a car collided, and the person in the car suffered a serious back injury.
$3.0M
Ventura County premises liability settlement: a tree on the grounds of an apartment complex fell onto a resident's vehicle as the resident was leaving, causing pain and body soreness.
$3.0M
San Diego County motorcycle accident settlement: a city street sweeper turning around struck a rider commuting to work, leaving the rider with serious arm injuries.
$3.0M
Los Angeles County truck accident settlement: a big rig rear-ended a stopped driver on the 405 and pushed the car into the vehicle ahead, causing head and leg injuries.
$3.0M
Concord car accident settlement: a speeding motorist cut across several 680 Freeway lanes and struck a driver, causing leg and other injuries along with neck and back pain.
$3.0M
California truck accident settlement: a crane truck working on a highway pulled out and struck the rear of a work pickup, injuring a passenger's neck, back and arm.
$3.0M
Los Angeles motorcycle accident settlement: a car and a motorcycle collided, leaving the rider with a serious hip injury and multiple other serious injuries.
$3.0M
Vista dog bite settlement: a neighbor's dog slipped out and bit a person on the sidewalk, causing serious arm injuries. One owner acknowledged the dog got out.
$2.9M
Lompoc wrongful death settlement: a driver at a stop sign pulled into traffic without seeing a motorcyclist and struck the rider, who died at the scene.
$2.9M
San Francisco car accident settlement: a driver swerving into a U-turn struck a motorist head-on as the motorist waited to turn right, causing hip and head pain.
$2.9M
Los Angeles County car accident settlement: a heavy-duty work pickup rear-ended a stopped driver on the 405 Freeway in a four-vehicle crash, causing neck, back, arm and leg pain.
$2.9M
Chula Vista truck accident settlement: a hydroplaning big rig sideswiped a vehicle and pushed it into a rail, leaving an occupant with neck, back, arm and hip pain.
$2.9M
South El Monte slip and fall settlement: a jogger at a public recreation area stepped into a deep, unmarked hole and fell, causing serious leg injuries.
$2.8M
Anaheim truck accident settlement: a big rig rear-ended a driver braking hard for a crash ahead on the 5 Freeway, causing neck and back pain and missed work.
$2.8M
Los Angeles truck accident settlement: a sleeping truck driver rear-ended a motorist at high speed on the 60 Freeway, worsening neck and back injuries from an earlier crash.
$2.8M
Shasta County premises liability settlement: a child fell from an open hotel window that had no safety bars, suffering serious head, arm and other injuries.
$2.8M
Poway truck accident settlement: a commercial delivery van turning left across traffic struck a family car, leaving an occupant with neck, upper back and lower back injuries.
$2.8M
California truck accident settlement: a box truck driver fell asleep and hit a lamp post and a building, leaving a passenger with burn injuries and a serious leg injury.
$2.8M
Fresno County car accident settlement: a driver ran a stop sign and broadsided another car, spinning it several times and leaving its driver with neck, back and arm pain.
$2.7M
Palmdale car accident settlement: a three-vehicle collision at an intersection totaled a car and left its driver with serious head, arm, leg and other injuries.
$2.6M
King City truck accident settlement: a big rig swerved on a two-lane road to miss a piece of metal and hit a driver head-on, causing serious injuries.
$2.6M
Hawthorne truck accident settlement: a speeding package-delivery truck rear-ended a driver waiting to turn right, causing neck, back and arm pain and aggravating an earlier arm condition.
$2.6M
Anaheim truck accident settlement: a package-delivery truck struck a driver pulling out of a parking lot, adding back and neck pain to an existing work injury.
$2.5M
Sacramento truck accident settlement: a hazardous-waste big rig merged into a rideshare driver's car on Highway 99, spinning it around and causing serious neck and back injuries.
$2.5M
Gardena truck accident settlement: a rear-end crash with a box truck sent a car occupant to the hospital with neck, leg and other injuries.
$2.5M
Los Angeles County sexual abuse case.
$2.5M
Los Angeles County sexual abuse case.
$2.5M
Kings County car accident settlement: a driver passing other cars on a two-lane highway hit another driver head-on, causing multiple serious injuries, including leg injuries.
$2.5M
Los Angeles County motorcycle accident settlement: a driver leaving the carpool lane on the 105 hit a rider, causing neck and back injuries.
$2.5M
Sacramento County workplace accident settlement: a loader backed into a parked truck at a recycling yard and knocked a worker off its trailer, causing head and back injuries.
$2.4M
Hayward truck accident settlement: a big rig rear-ended a driver stopped at a red light and totaled the car, causing a serious neck injury and severe back pain.
$2.4M
San Jose car accident settlement: a left-turn collision involving three cars left a vehicle occupant with hip and lower back injuries.
$2.4M
Bakersfield car accident settlement: a left-turn collision injured a vehicle occupant, who reported that the crash set back their recovery from an earlier hip condition.
$2.3M
Stockton truck accident settlement: a big rig set off a three-vehicle rear-end crash that struck a pickup, leaving its driver with neck and leg pain.
$2.3M
Los Angeles bus accident settlement: a public transit bus pulled away as a passenger was halfway aboard. The passenger fell onto the concrete, causing back, hip and leg pain.
$2.3M
Santa Ana car accident settlement: a red-light runner hit a motorist turning left on a green arrow, totaling the car and causing neck, arm and leg pain.
$2.3M
Fresno County wrongful death settlement: a rental moving truck hit a driver head-on on a two-lane highway. The driver died within hours of the crash.
$2.3M
California truck accident settlement: a lawn-service truck broadsided a pickup, leaving the pickup's driver with arm and back injuries, dizziness and trouble speaking.
$2.3M
California car accident settlement: a driver rear-ended a stopped car, pushing it into the vehicle ahead and leaving the motorist inside with a lower-back injury.
$2.3M
California truck accident settlement: a rear-end crash between two semis left a truck occupant with a traumatic head injury and a neck strain.
$2.3M
Los Angeles premises liability settlement: a person facing a blocked exit jumped from a second-floor apartment during a fire and suffered extensive burn injuries. No fire alarm sounded.
$2.3M
Los Angeles wrongful death settlement: loose sand collapsed on a worker digging an unprotected excavation at a jobsite. The worker died, leaving a spouse and two children.
$2.3M
Merced County truck accident settlement: a big rig's trailer rear-ended a driver stopped in traffic near Interstate 5. The driver reported head pain right after the crash.
$2.3M
Contra Costa County car accident settlement: a commercial van rear-ended a driver stopped in traffic on Highway 24, causing neck, arm and lower-back pain and difficulty walking.
$2.3M
California car accident settlement: a car turned left in front of a vehicle going through a green light, leaving its occupant with a back injury.
$2.3M
Los Banos bus accident settlement: a bus's lifted ramp fell and struck a bystander on the head, causing a traumatic brain injury, migraines, and neck and back pain.
$2.3M
California car accident settlement: a company car rear-ended a motorist on a freeway, leaving the motorist with neck and back pain.
$2.2M
Los Angeles County bicycle accident settlement: a food-delivery driver turning left hit a cyclist wearing a helmet, causing head pain and dizziness plus arm and leg pain.
$2.2M
California motorcycle accident settlement: a big rig pulled out of a driveway in front of a motorcyclist, who was thrown off and suffered serious leg and arm injuries.
$2.0M
Los Angeles wrongful death settlement: a person died inside a retail business, and the surviving family brought a wrongful death claim over the loss.
$2.0M
San Diego workplace accident settlement: a meter exploded in a worker's hand during a test of an improperly labeled power panel, causing burn injuries.
$2.0M
Fresno motorcycle accident settlement: a van turned left in front of a motorcyclist, causing a head injury and serious hip and leg injuries. A business was among the defendants.
$2.0M
Long Beach car accident settlement: a three-car rear-end collision left an occupant of one vehicle with a traumatic brain injury and several other serious injuries.
$2.0M
Santa Fe Springs car accident settlement: another driver rear-ended a motorist stopped at a red light, causing neck and upper-back pain and a sprained arm.
$2.0M
Stockton premises liability settlement: a stair handrail broke during a home remodel, causing a person painting from a ladder to fall down the stairs and suffer serious leg injuries.
$2.0M
San Diego County premises liability settlement: scalding tap water left a child with extensive burn injuries in a rental apartment where tenants had complained about the water temperature.
$2.0M
Lake Elsinore car accident settlement: a rear-end collision flipped over a vehicle carrying an occupant, causing head, arm and leg injuries.
$2.0M
La Puente car accident settlement: a rear-end collision left a vehicle occupant with sprains and strains of the neck and back, headaches and other injuries.
$2.0M
Los Angeles car accident settlement: a vehicle occupant involved in a collision suffered serious injuries that required a stay in the hospital.
$2.0M
San Jose slip and fall settlement: a shopper slipped on water at a big-box store and fell into a split, causing leg and other injuries.
$2.0M
Kern County truck accident settlement: a weaving big rig sideswiped a driver on Interstate 5, overturning the car and causing serious back and other injuries.
$2.0M
Rancho Cucamonga premises liability settlement: an employee rushing out of a kitchen knocked a customer to the floor, causing leg, arm and back injuries.
$2.0M
Los Angeles car accident settlement: a truck rear-ended a driver stopped in freeway traffic and ended up on top of the car, causing neck, arm and head pain.
$2.0M
San Mateo County car accident settlement: a driver ran a stop sign and T-boned the passenger side of a vehicle, leaving a passenger with neck, back and leg pain.
$2.0M
Visalia car accident settlement: a driver ran a stop sign and struck the vehicle another motorist was driving, spinning it around and causing serious back injuries.
$2.0M
Monterey County car accident settlement: a vehicle T-boned an SUV crossing an intersection and pushed it toward railroad tracks, leaving its driver with back, hip and arm pain.
$2.0M
Redlands car accident settlement: a left-turning driver struck another car and sent it into a sign pole, leaving its driver with neck, back and arm pain.
$2.0M
Los Angeles car accident settlement: a rideshare driver cutting in from the parking lane set off a three-car collision, leaving a passenger with back pain and fogginess.
$2.0M
Riverside bicycle accident settlement: a commercial pickup turning left hit a cyclist from behind in a bike lane, causing a serious arm injury and other injuries.
$2.0M
Orange County truck accident settlement: a big rig driver crashed while avoiding people from an earlier wreck, suffering a brain injury. Defendants included an individual and a restaurant franchise.
$2.0M
Hemet slip and fall settlement: a person walking across a county facility's parking lot tripped over an unpainted speed bump and fell, causing a serious arm injury.
$2.0M
Los Angeles car accident settlement: a motorist crossed into oncoming traffic and hit another motorist head-on, causing neck and back injuries. Defendants included a rideshare company.
$2.0M
California truck accident settlement: an out-of-control tow truck rear-ended a big rig, causing major damage and leaving the rig's driver with back and neck pain.
$2.0M
California truck accident settlement: a truck rear-ended a car traveling straight ahead, and its driver had neck and back pain with nausea and dizziness.
$2.0M
California car accident settlement: a parked commercial vehicle tried to turn around in front of a driver, who struck its side. The driver had serious neck and back injuries.
$2.0M
Emeryville pedestrian accident settlement: a car pulling out of a store parking lot hit a person crossing in a crosswalk, causing an arm injury and neck, back and leg pain.
$2.0M
Hemet car accident settlement: another driver rear-ended a pickup waiting at a light, leaving the pickup undrivable and its driver with back, neck, leg and arm pain.
$1.9M
Dublin car accident settlement: a pickup set off a four-vehicle chain-reaction rear-end crash, leaving a driver with arm injuries and a neck injury that worsened an existing condition.
$1.9M
Big Bear Lake slip and fall settlement: a resident slipped on a slick walkway outside an apartment complex that posted no warning signs, causing a serious arm injury.
$1.8M
Citrus Heights car accident settlement: a van traveling at high speed rear-ended a vehicle stopped on a boulevard, leaving its occupant with several leg injuries.
$1.8M
East Los Angeles truck accident settlement: a flatbed truck avoiding traffic on the 60 Freeway swerved into a car, leaving an occupant with neck, back and hip pain.
$1.6M
Irvine slip and fall settlement: a shopper slipped on a puddle with no warning signs near a self-checkout, causing neck, back and leg injuries.
$1.6M
Sacramento bicycle accident settlement: a left-turning pickup struck a cyclist crossing an intersection on a pedestrian green light, causing serious back and other injuries.
$1.5M
Hesperia truck accident settlement: a big rig ran a red light and struck a turning driver head-on, causing neck and back injuries.
$1.5M
Fontana slip and fall settlement: a shopper slipped on a wet floor near a supermarket's meat section, causing back and arm injuries. No warning signs were posted.
$1.5M
Porterville pedestrian accident settlement: a vehicle struck a pedestrian, causing catastrophic injuries, including a brain injury and serious leg injuries. Several defendants faced claims.
$1.4M
West Hollywood premises liability settlement: an uneven, patched walkway at a residential complex caused a resident to fall, resulting in serious leg injuries.
$1.3M
Los Angeles product liability settlement: an e-scooter swerved uncontrollably on its first ride and threw the rider, causing serious leg injuries. Defendants included the seller, maker and assembler.
$1.3M
Gardena premises liability settlement: a tenant walking to a car at a rental home stepped on nails spilled during roof renovations, causing catastrophic injuries.
$1.3M
Los Angeles County sexual abuse case.
$1.3M
West Hollywood motorcycle accident settlement: a driver made a U-turn directly into a motorcyclist's path and hit the motorcycle, leaving the rider with serious injuries.
$1.3M
Greenfield slip and fall settlement: a grocery shopper slipped on an unmarked water spill from an ice bucket, causing a head injury, headaches and back and leg pain.
$1.3M
Tulare County car accident settlement: another motorist pulled out from a stop sign into a minivan's path, leaving its driver with leg pain and swelling.
$1.3M
Pasadena car accident settlement: another driver rear-ended a motorist who was stopped and signaling a left turn into a gas station, causing a neck injury.
$1.3M
Riverside County car accident settlement: a sedan driver failed to slow and rear-ended a motorist braking for traffic on the 215 Freeway, causing neck and lower back pain.
$1.2M
Bellflower car accident settlement: a company pickup turned left into a driver's path at an intersection, causing arm and lower back injuries and totaling the driver's car.
$1.0M
Fremont car accident settlement: an oncoming vehicle cutting across the road struck a motorist's car on the driver side, causing a serious leg injury with expected loss of mobility.
$1.0M
Los Angeles car accident settlement: a driver rear-ended a rideshare car stopped at a red light, leaving a passenger with whiplash, neck and head pain and worsened prior injuries.
$1.0M
Kern County truck accident settlement: a big rig coming off the 5 Freeway failed to stop and collided with a driver, causing serious leg injuries.
$1.0M
Los Angeles construction accident settlement: a worker removing the plywood over a jobsite hole fell in, causing a leg injury and back pain. No warning signs marked the hole.
$1.0M
West Covina dog bite settlement: at an apartment complex with a prior dog incident, a tenant's dog bit a visitor, causing serious injuries.
$991K
Los Angeles car accident settlement: a driver turning into traffic caused a three-vehicle collision that left a motorist driving through a green light with back and neck pain.
$990K
Bakersfield truck accident settlement: a big rig rear-ended and side-struck a driver's vehicle at a red light, causing a brain injury and serious neck and other injuries.
$990K
Los Angeles County workplace accident settlement: a worker fell after a supply vendor stacked a second ladder on the ladder in use, causing serious back injuries and difficulty walking.
$949K
Long Beach car accident settlement: a rideshare driver who fell asleep rear-ended a car stopped at a red light, leaving its driver with neck and back pain.
$900K
Riverside car accident settlement: a left-turning driver leaving a parking lot struck a motorist exiting the freeway, totaling the motorist's car and causing head, neck and back pain.
$875K
Oakdale slip and fall settlement: a visitor tripped over a misplaced wooden pallet near a grocery store checkout and fell, causing a head injury and other injuries.
$840K
Los Angeles truck accident settlement: a big rig rushing a turn hit and dragged a stopped car, leaving its driver with leg pain, shock and anxiety.
$750K
Los Angeles car accident settlement: a car turned left across a solid line into a driver's path, and the collision left that driver with numbness and other injuries.
$750K
Torrance motorcycle accident settlement: a car swerved across several lanes to turn right, cutting off a rider and causing a leg injury and back and neck pain.
$682K
Nevada County car accident settlement: a driver making a U-turn cut off a pickup with no room to stop, leaving its driver with neck and upper back pain.
$675K
San Diego car accident settlement: a pickup rear-ended a car stopped in traffic and pushed it into the vehicle ahead, leaving the driver with back, neck and leg pain.
$650K
Pasadena pedestrian accident settlement: a reversing car backed into a parked truck's open rear door, striking a person standing there and causing neck and back pain.
$650K
Hanford slip and fall settlement: a visitor slipped on water in a grocery store's meat aisle, causing a serious leg injury. No warning signs marked the spill.
$641K
Napa car accident settlement: a red-light runner struck a rideshare driver going through an intersection, leaving the driver with neck and leg pain.
$626K
Modesto car accident settlement: an oncoming vehicle turned left across a rideshare driver's lane at a green light and hit the driver's side, causing arm and other injuries.
$625K
Visalia truck accident settlement: a big rig unable to complete a turn at a four-way stop reversed into a car, leaving its driver with a soft-tissue neck strain.
$600K
Ridgecrest slip and fall settlement: a shopper slipped on unmarked water by a grocery store's open freezer, causing a serious leg injury and other injuries.
$600K
Contra Costa County car accident settlement: a merging truck failed to brake in heavy highway traffic and rear-ended a driver, who had soft-tissue neck and back pain.
$550K
Temple City slip and fall settlement: a visitor tripped over a raised lip on a park stair and fell, causing serious leg injuries. The defendants were public agencies.
$530K
Imperial County truck accident settlement: a commercial work truck speeding against traffic on a residential street struck a car, leaving its driver with neck and upper back pain.
$501K
Los Angeles dog bite settlement: a dog at an off-leash dog park bit a visitor who was protecting their own pet from it, causing serious injuries.
$500K
Glendale car accident settlement: a driver rear-ended a motorist stopped at the freeway divider with hazard lights on, causing a traumatic brain injury.
$500K
Alameda County car accident settlement: a pickup rear-ended a work truck at a red light, leaving the driver with neck and back pain, nausea and a suspected head injury.
$500K
Riverside County car accident settlement: a work pickup hit another vehicle, jumped the curb and rear-ended a driver, causing an arm injury and neck and back pain.
$499K
Los Angeles car accident settlement: a sedan rear-ended a driver stopped at a red light, pushing the driver's car into the one ahead and causing leg and hip pain.
$400K
San Diego dog bite settlement: a neighbor's dog bit an apartment resident, causing serious arm and leg injuries. Management had been warned about the dog, which had bitten before.
$400K
Santa Maria wrongful death settlement: a resident receiving post-acute care at a skilled nursing facility had serious medical complications and repeated hospital transfers before dying.
$375K
Oakland car accident settlement: a driver rear-ended a stopped vehicle on the freeway, leaving an occupant with back, neck and leg pain that overlapped earlier injuries.
$365K
Los Angeles County truck accident settlement: a big rig sideswiped a driver on the 10 Freeway, forcing the car into the wall and causing neck and upper back soreness.
$365K
Encinitas dog bite settlement: during an inspection at a home, one of three dogs the homeowner had agreed to secure bit a worker, causing a leg injury.
$350K
Kern County premises liability settlement: a restroom stall door left unrepaired for over a year caused a serious injury to a child.
$300K
Riverside County car accident settlement: a three-vehicle chain-reaction crash sent a motorist's car into a pickup that had stopped suddenly, resulting in soft-tissue back and arm pain.
$300K
Buena Park car accident settlement: a driver swerved into a freeway carpool lane and struck a car, leaving a passenger with arm pain and other soft-tissue pain.
$300K
San Bernardino County car accident settlement: an SUV ran a stop sign and broadsided a dump truck, leaving the truck's driver with back pain and other soft-tissue pain.
$267K
Los Angeles County wrongful death settlement: a vehicle struck a pedestrian, who suffered a serious head injury and other serious injuries, then died. The defendant was a public entity.
$263K
Los Angeles County truck accident settlement: a freight carrier's vehicle reversed into a driver leaving a parking spot, causing a serious injury as well as neck and back pain.
$250K
Los Angeles bicycle accident settlement: a turning driver failed to yield and hit a cyclist riding through an intersection with a green light, causing leg injuries.
$250K
Carlsbad car accident settlement: a driver who said a dog had jumped into their lap rear-ended a stopped car, leaving an occupant with soft-tissue neck and back injuries.
$250K
Sand City car accident settlement: a car pulled out from a stop sign without yielding, and the motorist who broadsided it had arm and hip pain.
$250K
California product liability settlement: an office chair's seat caught a user's finger, causing a serious hand injury. The claim alleged the chair lacked a stop other chairs had.
$200K
Buena Park car accident settlement: a driver swerving to avoid another car hit a motorist in a 91 Freeway carpool lane, causing back pain.
$150K
Stockton slip and fall settlement: a shopper slipped on water in a supermarket produce section and fell, causing back, arm and leg pain. No warning signs were posted.
$138K
Los Banos car accident settlement: a driver leaving a parking lot cut off a motorist making a protected left turn. The airbags deployed, and the motorist had leg pain.
$115K
San Leandro slip and fall settlement: a shopper slipped on an unmarked spill in a store aisle, causing a serious arm injury, a leg injury and back spasms.
$102K
Riverside motorcycle accident settlement: a truck turning into a shopping center cut off a motorcyclist, who crashed and suffered a traumatic brain injury and other serious injuries.
$101K
Sacramento dog bite settlement: a large dog that escaped its owner's backyard bit a person, causing a traumatic brain injury and other serious head injuries.
*Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.
How Do I Know If I Have a Train Accident Claim in California?
You may have a claim if a train crew, railroad, transit agency or driver failed to use the care the law requires and you were hurt on board, on a platform, at a crossing or on the job. Train cases are proven with event recorder downloads, signal logs, video and medical records, most of which the railroad controls, so preservation letters go out first. When a public agency operates the line, its claim deadline is six months after the injury. Call for a free review at any hour; there are no fees unless you get paid.
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#1 Truck v. Pedestrian Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Multi-Vehicle Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Equipment Malfunction Settlement
2024
#1 Car v. Stationary Object Collision Settlement
2024
#1 Bus v. Passenger Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Whistleblower Retaliation Settlement
2023
#1 Underinsured Motorist Settlement
2023
#1 Slip & Fall Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Negligent Security Settlement
2023
#1 Ladder Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Hotel Premises Liability Settlement
2023
#1 Car v. Car Collision Settlement
2023
#1 Bicycle Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Age/Disability Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Wrongful Termination Settlement
2022
#1 Meal & Rest Breaks Settlement
2022
*#1 settlements in California have been awarded by TopVerdict.com. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Train Accident FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
The railroad or transit agency, its train crew, a signal or maintenance contractor, an equipment manufacturer, or a driver who caused a crossing collision. Train cases often involve several defendants and records only the railroad holds, which is why early preservation matters.
Yes. When a public rail or transit agency is involved, you generally must file a written government claim within six months of the incident under Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 before suing. Missing that deadline can end the case, so it is important to act quickly and confirm the timeline with an attorney.
Two years against Amtrak and freight railroads in most cases (Code Civ. Proc. §335.1); six months to present a claim against a public rail agency (Gov. Code §911.2); three years for railroad workers under FELA (45 U.S.C. §56).
Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence, so your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault but not eliminated (Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804). This often matters in crossing and pedestrian cases where fault is disputed.
Yes. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority, which runs Metrolink, is a joint powers authority and a public agency, so a written claim must reach it within six months of the injury (Gov. Code §911.2). A lawsuit can follow if the claim is denied; our public transportation accident guide covers that timeline.
Not as to Amtrak itself, because it isn't a California public entity (49 U.S.C. §24301); claims against Amtrak usually follow the two-year deadline (Code Civ. Proc. §335.1). Two cautions: the joint powers authority that oversees the route may require its own six-month claim, and Amtrak's ticket terms contain an arbitration agreement, so get advice early.
You may still have a claim if the railroad or agency failed to maintain warnings, signals or barriers, or the crew failed to keep a proper lookout. Pedestrians must obey crossing signals and gates (Veh. Code §22451), yet partial fault only reduces what they can recover.
Nothing up front. Wilshire Law Firm works on contingency, so there are no fees unless you get paid. Case reviews are free and available 24/7.