$36.0M
Recovery for a pedestrian who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle.
Personal Injury
California Train Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a train crash or railroad-related incident? At Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — our attorneys help injured victims across California pursue full compensation. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review with a legal professional — there are no fees unless you get paid.
- $3B+RECOVERED
- 7X"BEST LAW FIRM" AWARDS
- 24/7AVAILABILITY & SUPPORT
- 500+LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
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.
Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning, nationally recognized team with a proven track record of representing seriously injured victims across California. Our attorneys investigate the crash, identify every responsible party, handle the negotiations and litigation, and fight to protect your rights at every stage. There are no fees unless you get paid.
Most train and railroad accidents trace back to preventable negligence. The leading causes we see include operator error or distracted operation, mechanical failures or poor maintenance, signal malfunctions, unsafe railroad crossings, and negligent hiring or training practices. Establishing which party's negligence caused the crash is central to your claim, and our attorneys handle that investigation for you.
Because of their size and force, trains often cause catastrophic, life-altering injuries. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and fractures, internal injuries, and fatal accidents that give rise to wrongful death claims. A legal professional can review the full scope of your injuries and losses during a free case review.
Our attorneys guide you through every step of your train accident claim. We investigate the accident and identify the responsible parties, explain your rights under California law, and build a strong case to represent you in negotiations or litigation. We work on a contingency basis, which means there are no fees unless you get paid.
In most California personal injury cases you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). Claims against a government entity — which can include public rail systems and transit agencies — often have a much shorter deadline, generally six months to file an administrative claim under the California Government Claims Act. Because missing a deadline can end your case, it's best to speak with a legal professional early.
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.
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
Alivia E. Abreu, Esq.Partner
Shervin G. Ghanoongooi, Esq.Partner
Christopher Goodroe, Esq.Partner
Nathan A. GuestPartner and Trial Attorney
Brian M. Jacobson, Esq.Partner
Ariella Perry, Esq.Partner$28.5M
Recovery for victims of a rear-end collision involving a commercial truck.
$14.5M
Recovery for a victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury due to unsafe property conditions.
$14.0M
Recovery for a victim injured in a motorcycle accident.
$13.5M
Recovery for victims injured in a collision involving a commercial truck.
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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?
Three factors determine whether you have a valid train accident claim — fault, damages, and proof. Fault means another party's negligence, such as a rail operator, maintenance contractor, or transit agency, caused the crash. Damages are your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Proof includes accident reports, maintenance and signal records, photos, and witness statements. California's statute of limitations applies, so contact Wilshire Law Firm for a free case review.
Start Your Free Train Accident Case Review
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- Hablamos Español
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No fees unless you get paid.
Record breaking results
Winners of #1 Settlements in California
Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars, including some of the biggest settlements in California.
17#1 Settlements in California, 2022–2024*
TopVerdict #1TopVerdict.com #1 settlements
1–1 of 17
#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.
Depending on the facts, responsibility may extend to the train operator or crew, the railroad or transit company, a signal or maintenance contractor, a vehicle driver at a crossing, or an equipment manufacturer. Train cases often involve several defendants and complex records. An attorney can investigate and identify each responsible party.
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.
Most California injury lawsuits, including many train-accident claims against private companies, must be filed within two years under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. If a government transit agency is responsible, a much shorter six-month claim deadline applies first. Because exceptions exist, confirm your specific deadline promptly with an attorney.
Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence under Li v. Yellow Cab Co., so an injured person can recover even when partially responsible, with the award reduced by their percentage of fault. This can matter in pedestrian- or vehicle-at-crossing cases where fault is disputed. If your injury happened in a vehicle at a rail crossing, our guide on hiring a car accident lawyer may help.