Train Accident Lawyer
Fighting for victims of railroad accidents throughout New York
Experienced Train Accident Representation
Train accidents—whether involving Amtrak, Metro-North, the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), or freight trains—can cause catastrophic injuries and death. From railroad crossing collisions to train derailments and platform accidents, these incidents often result from negligence by railroad companies, inadequate maintenance, or equipment failures.
Train accident cases involve complex federal and state regulations, including the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules, railroad company liability, and specialized insurance issues. Railroad companies have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize their liability—you need experienced legal representation to level the playing field.
Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C. has extensive experience handling train accident cases. We investigate accidents thoroughly, work with railroad safety experts, and fight aggressively for injured passengers, pedestrians, and drivers to recover maximum compensation.
Common Types of Train Accidents
Railroad Crossing Accidents
Vehicles or pedestrians struck by trains at railroad crossings due to inadequate warnings or malfunctioning signals
Train Derailments
Trains leaving tracks causing passenger injuries, often due to track defects or excessive speed
Platform Accidents
Passengers injured on train platforms from slips, falls, or being struck by trains
Train Collisions
Collisions between trains or trains striking other vehicles causing serious injuries
Passenger Injuries
Injuries to passengers from sudden stops, derailments, or collisions while aboard trains
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians struck by trains while walking near tracks or at crossings
Common Causes of Train Accidents
Train operator error or negligence
Excessive speed or failure to brake
Track defects or inadequate maintenance
Signal malfunctions or failures
Mechanical failures or defective equipment
Inadequate railroad crossing warnings
Malfunctioning crossing gates or signals
Poor visibility at railroad crossings
Inadequate crew training
Conductor or engineer fatigue
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Train Accident?
Railroad Companies
Amtrak, Metro-North, LIRR, freight railroad companies, and other operators can be held liable for negligent operation, inadequate maintenance, defective equipment, or failure to follow safety regulations.
Train Operators and Crew
Engineers, conductors, and other crew members can be held liable for negligent operation, excessive speed, failure to follow safety protocols, or operating while fatigued or impaired.
Maintenance Companies
Companies responsible for track maintenance, signal maintenance, or train servicing can be liable for inadequate maintenance causing accidents.
Equipment Manufacturers
Manufacturers of defective trains, brakes, signals, or other equipment that causes accidents can be held liable under product liability laws.
Government Entities
Municipalities or government agencies responsible for railroad crossing design, maintenance, or traffic signals may be liable for crossing accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes train accidents?
Train accidents can be caused by operator error, excessive speed, mechanical failures, track defects, signal malfunctions, inadequate maintenance, railroad crossing failures, pedestrian or vehicle collisions at crossings, derailments, and failure to follow safety protocols. Both human error and equipment failures contribute to train accidents.
Who can be held liable in a train accident?
Liability may fall on the railroad company (Amtrak, Metro-North, LIRR), train operators, maintenance companies, equipment manufacturers, railroad crossing authorities, or other negligent parties. Multiple entities may share liability depending on the cause of the accident.
How long do I have to file a train accident lawsuit?
Generally, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. However, claims against government entities or Amtrak may have shorter deadlines and special filing requirements. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
What if I was hit by a train at a railroad crossing?
Railroad crossing accidents often involve multiple liable parties—the railroad company for inadequate warnings or malfunctioning signals, municipalities for poor crossing design, or other drivers. You need an attorney who can investigate whether the crossing met safety standards and identify all responsible parties.
What compensation can I recover from a train accident?
You may recover medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, scarring or disfigurement, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Train accidents often cause catastrophic injuries resulting in significant compensation.
Why Choose Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C.?
Railroad Accident Experience
We understand federal railroad regulations, state laws, and the complex liability issues involved in train accident cases.
Thorough Investigation
We work with railroad safety experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and engineers to investigate causes and establish liability.
Take on Large Railroad Companies
Railroad companies have powerful legal teams. We're not intimidated and fight aggressively for injured victims' rights.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Injured in a Train Accident? Call Now
Don't let the railroad company minimize your injuries. Contact us for a free consultation. Available Available 24/7.