Santa Monica Train Accident Lawyer

The Metrolink train crash was one of the most devastating train accidents in California history. The deadly head on collision occurred around 4:30 P.M. on Friday, September 12, 2008 as a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train slammed into one another. The accident has already caused at least 26 deaths, with another 135 injured, at least 40 of whom are listed in serious condition. Many victims of the accident were airlifted to local hospitals. Those in the area of the crash are still living with smog from the huge explosion that occurred when the two engines collided.

A train crash is a horrible event, and whether you were on the train, you have a family member who was injured, or you live or work in the area, there are many legal issues that a train accident creates. The Metrolink accident was caused by numerous factors, and is still being investigated by national and local authorities. However, Metrolink has released a statement admitting liability. It is believed that the conductor of Metrolink train 111 may have been text-messaging (although this is still being investigated), and ran a red signal. Additionally, reports have begun to emerge about whether the signals were properly maintained and designed. There may be other factors such as the speed of the train, whether the train was being pushed or pulled, and whether the signal functioning appropriately among others.

California law creates a high duty of care among train companies such as Metrolink, Amtrak, and CalTrans or rapid transit. These companies are known as "common carriers" because they provide public transportation on a daily basis to millions of Californians. The law assigns them the duty of putting your safety first. When they do not act with the utmost duty of care, they have breached their duty to you and this is known as negligence. Unfortunately, a breach in that duty costs passengers their lives, and many families are now only beginning to pick up the pieces of the aftermath of the train crash.

The attorneys of Mann & Elias are aggressive trial attorneys who have experience in representing the personal injuries, wrongful death, and other claims of those who were injured while on a common carrier, like Metrolink. Currently, Mann & Elias is in the process of litigating a 2007 train vs. car accident that caused two fatalities. The lawyers at Mann & Elias have achieved both trial verdicts and settlement offers, to compensate families for what they have lost. You are entitled to monetary damages, and our lawyers will fight to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve. Be wary of quick cash settlements. Don’t discuss your case with insurance adjusters or others. Speak only with your doctor and lawyer.

Filing a Claim

Because common carriers are often run by governmental or public entities such as the State of California or local governments like the City of Los Angeles, these claims are complex and must be acted on right away. The government imposes a stiff time limitation on these claims, so you must call an experienced trial lawyer as soon as possible. Though your first concern should be the health and well-being of your family, calling today allows one of our experienced attorneys to begin handling the legal aspects of your claim, freeing you to care for your loved one. We provide free consultations and also pay for all of the costs of handling your claim up front, we only get paid if you do.

Unfortunately, this is not the first Metrolink train crash caused by negligence. In the last 50 years there have been over 13,000 fatalities due to railroad accidents, more specifically, train wrecks. The experienced attorneys of Mann & Elias work to try to send a clear message to the railroad industry, taking a life is not worth the profits you make for going faster, repairing later, texting your friends or falling asleep at the job. Passengers put their lives and their trust in common carriers almost every day of their lives. Now trains are one of the biggest causes of fatalities in the transportation field. Your claim will be one more message to those at the train companies that tells them it is not alright to take a life.

Families, Survivors, and Neighbors

Train accidents like the Metrolink train crash in Stoney Point Park, in Chatsworth, California affect many of our community. Families have lost loved ones, survivors are still in recovery and even neighbors to the crash site are now at risk. Large explosions, like the one which occurred just after 4:30 P.M. between the Metrolink commuter train and the Union Pacific freight train release chemicals, toxins, and other hazardous material into the environment. Reports from the scene of the Chatsworth train crash state that there was a huge amount of particulate matter released into the air in the community surrounding the crash. Additionally, there were reports of oil spills at the crash site. Smoke, oil, and hazardous chemicals can create illnesses for those who inhale or come in contact with them. Neighbors and those who were at the crash site in the San Fernando Valley should watch for symptoms such as respiratory illness, eye irritation, skin problems, or other illnesses. If you see any of these symptoms you should contact your physician immediately. If you live, work, or were at the crash site, you should also call the experienced trial attorneys of Mann & Elias. Environmental hazards and toxins create real injuries. You need an experienced attorney to handle your claim immediately.

Verdicts and Settlements

There are many factors in determining an appropriate verdict or settlement and what a case is worth. Many common carrier cases settle for six to seven figures. Some of which may even be over $1,000,000. Our firm has represented common carrier cases including trains, buses, airplanes and others and received victorious verdicts and settlements for our clients.

You are entitled to monetary compensation for your loss. Your medical bills, medications, loss of earnings, pain and suffering and your spouses' pain and suffering during this time are all aspects of what Metrolink and the other parties at fault must pay you. While nothing can bring back a loved one you have lost, a claim for wrongful death sends a clear message to the company that they cannot just walk away from the fatality of one of their passengers.

Our experienced attorneys are what you need on your train crash case to go up against the defense attorneys employed by organizations like Metrolink, or Cal Trans, who caused the deadly accident on September 12, 2008 in Chatsworth, California.

Call our experienced attorneys for a free consultation and to have our aggressive trial attorneys begin handling the legal aspects of your case immediately.