Train and transit operators in California owe passengers the highest degree of care under Civil Code § 2100, which means your path to recovery after a Metro, Metrolink, or railroad accident near Beverly Hills starts from a stronger legal position than a standard car crash.
The most urgent deadline is short. Claims against public agencies like LA Metro or Metrolink require a written notice within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Railroad employees injured on the job recover through FELA, not workers’ compensation.
The Injury Partners handles train and railroad accident claims across Los Angeles County from our Beverly Hills office. Omeed Hakimianpour earned the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars distinction in 2025 and 2026, limited to the top 2.5% of California attorneys. Reach out to us for a free 24/7 consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Can You Sue After a Train or Railroad Accident in California?
Yes. If you were injured as a passenger, a pedestrian struck at a crossing, or a motorist hit by a train, you may have a claim against the party whose negligence caused the accident.
If you are a passenger, pedestrian, or motorist, you pursue your claim under California’s common carrier and government liability rules. Railroad workers file under FELA.
Can You Sue the Railroad If You Get Hit by a Train?
Yes. A pedestrian or motorist struck by a train can sue the railroad or transit agency if negligence contributed to the collision. Common examples include crossing signal failures and excessive speed.
If the accident occurred at a crossing, a Beverly Hills pedestrian accident lawyer experienced in railroad cases can evaluate which parties are responsible.
Who Is Liable for a Train Accident?
Liability depends on the type of train, the cause of the accident, and whether the injured person is a passenger, a bystander, or an employee.
Potentially liable parties include the transit agency operating the train, the freight railroad that owns or maintains the track, a third-party signal or track maintenance contractor, the manufacturer of defective equipment, and a negligent motorist who caused a collision at a crossing.
Why Trust The Injury Partners for Your Beverly Hills Train & Railroad Accident Claim
Train accident claims are more complex than standard car accident cases. They involve government entities with short claim deadlines and corporate defense teams backed by federal railroad regulations. You need attorneys who can move fast and match that level of opposition.
Train cases pit you against government legal teams and corporate railroad defense counsel. Omeed Hakimianpour spent years at Kirkland & Ellis on the corporate side of billion-dollar disputes and now turns that playbook against transit agencies and freight railroads. Daniel Sabet brings a litigation-focused career built on Southwestern Law School’s accelerated SCALE program.
The results back the approach: $1M+ recovered, a 5.00 Google rating, and every case handled on contingency from our office at 499 N. Canon Dr., Suite B1, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
Who Handles My Train Accident Case at The Injury Partners?
Omeed or Daniel personally, which is rare among train accident lawyers. You won’t be handed off to a case manager or call center. From your first consultation through resolution, a founding attorney manages the investigation, files the government claim notice within the six-month deadline, and coordinates with medical providers and forensic reconstruction experts.
What Customers Say About Our Firm
Posted on Google
Alex Sarraf
I would give more than 5 stars if I could. Omeed and team are very professional.
Posted on Google
Matthew Simino
They were professional and responsive. I truly felt cared for throughout the process and would highly recommend them.
Posted on Google
Aaron Attarzadeh
I was nervous about hiring an attorney, but The Injury Partners made everything easy. They explained my case in simple terms and kept me informed the entire time. Their attention to detail and dedication really stood out. I would absolutely use them again.
Posted on Google
Nathan Manesh
I can’t say enough good things about The Injury Partners. From day one, they made me feel like I actually mattered, not just another case. They walked me through every step, handled the insurance company, and made sure I got the medical treatment I needed. The settlement exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend.
Posted on Google
Nikoli Partiyeli
I had a complicated case and wasn’t sure if anything would come from it, but The Injury Partners proved me wrong. They were persistent, strategic, and extremely thorough. In the end, they secured a great outcome for me.
Posted on Google
Jacob Soroudi
The Injury Partners are exactly what you want in a law firm, sharp, aggressive, and compassionate. They fought hard against the insurance company and didn’t settle for less than what I deserved. I always felt like I had a strong team behind me.
Posted on Google
Ahrya Far
I’ve worked with other attorneys before, but The Injury Partners are on another level. They are organized, transparent, and extremely effective. If you’re injured and need someone you can trust, this is the firm to call.
Posted on Google
Myunghee Sim
Omeed was great to deal with. He’s responsive, professional, and you can tell he takes his work seriously. It’s not hard to see why The Injury Partner’s had such a strong reputation. Definitely people you want on your side.
Posted on Google
matt ghalchi
Omeed got me a settlement that actually helped me out big time. I’m really grateful for that.
Posted on Google
Mazher Zaim
Omeed did an outstanding job on my injury case. From day one, he was professional, detail oriented, and on top of everything. Nothing slipped through the cracks. He took the time to understand every part of my case and built a strong, well thought out strategy.
I had spoken with other lawyers before hiring him, and the difference was clear. Omeed was far more diligent and invested. He stayed organized, pushed things forward, and made sure the case kept moving. The result he delivered exceeded my expectations.
He is also very empathetic and treated my case like it truly mattered. I always felt like a priority, and he made a stressful process much easier to deal with.
If you are looking for the best injury lawyer in Los Angeles, I highly recommend Omeed.
Who Is Liable for a Train Accident? Liability by Train Type
Liability in a train accident depends on the type of train involved, because each system operates under a different legal framework with different defendants.
Train System
Governing Law
Typical Liable Party
LA Metro (subway, light rail, bus rapid transit)
California Government Claims Act
LACMTA (public entity)
Metrolink (commuter rail)
California Government Claims Act
SCRRA (public entity)
Amtrak (intercity passenger rail)
Federal and state statutes
National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Freight (Union Pacific, BNSF)
Federal law (FELA, FRSA)
Private railroad corporation
Subway / Light Rail (other agencies)
California Civil Code § 2100
City or regional transit agency
Most train accidents involve more than one liable party. Each additional defendant brings its own insurance or self-insurance program, which widens the coverage you can go after.
Who Is Liable: the Transit Agency, the Railroad, or the Operator?
It depends on the facts. A Metrolink derailment caused by deferred track maintenance may produce claims against both SCRRA and the track maintenance contractor. A freight train crossing accident involving a defective gate may produce claims against Union Pacific, the signal maintenance company, and the government entity responsible for the crossing.
Can I Sue LA Metro or Metrolink?
Yes, but LA Metro and Metrolink accident claims require action within six months. Under the California Government Claims Act (Government Code § 911.2), you must file a written Notice of Claim within six months of the accident. Missing this deadline usually bars your case permanently, regardless of how strong your claim is.
California Rail Laws and Deadlines You Can’t Miss
Two legal rules catch more train accident victims off guard than any other, and the six-month government claim deadline under Gov. Code § 911.2 is the one that kills the most cases.
The six-month government claim rule. If your claim involves a public entity like LA Metro (LACMTA) or Metrolink (SCRRA), you must file a written Notice of Claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. This is far shorter than the standard two-year statute of limitations and catches many victims off guard.
Federal vs. state law. The Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA) sets minimum safety standards for railroads and can preempt certain state law claims, especially in freight and Metrolink cases.
How Long Do I Have to File a Train Accident Claim in California?
The deadline depends on who you are suing. Claims against a government transit agency require a written notice within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Claims against private railroads or other defendants must be filed within two years under CCP § 335.1. Railroad workers filing under FELA have three years.
What Is the Common Carrier Duty of Care?
California Civil Code § 2100 requires common carriers to use the utmost care and diligence for passenger safety. This standard is higher than the ordinary duty of reasonable care that applies in a typical car accident case.
Types of Train & Railroad Accidents We Handle
Passenger injuries on Metro, Metrolink, or Amtrak. Derailments, sudden emergency stops, doors closing on passengers, and platform slip-and-fall accidents injure riders on LA’s transit systems.
Railroad crossing collisions. Pedestrians and motorists are struck at grade crossings when warning gates fail to activate, signals malfunction, sightlines are obstructed by vegetation or parked equipment, or trains approach at excessive speed.
Subway and light rail accidents. The LA Metro D Line (Purple Line) and other light rail systems create collision, platform, and escalator hazards for riders and station visitors.
Freight train incidents. Union Pacific and BNSF freight operations across Los Angeles County produce derailments, hazardous material releases, and crossing collisions that injure nearby residents and motorists.
Railroad worker injuries. Employees of railroads and transit agencies injured on the job pursue claims under FELA rather than workers’ compensation.
What Types of Train Accidents Happen in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles County’s rail network is one of the largest in the country, and train derailments, crossing collisions, and platform injuries can affect your commute or your safety at any station.
Who Is Liable for a Railroad Crossing Accident?
Multiple parties can share liability for a crossing collision. The railroad that operates the train could be at fault for excessive speed or failure to sound the horn.
The entity responsible for maintaining the crossing, whether a railroad, a city, or Caltrans, can be liable for defective gates, broken signals, or obstructed sightlines. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees rail crossing safety statewide. If a motorist’s negligence triggered the collision, that driver also bears fault.
Common Train & Railroad Accident Injuries
The forces involved in train collisions are extreme. Families receive a phone call that changes everything, and the medical and financial aftermath can last decades.
The most common injuries in train accidents:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Blunt force impact, sudden deceleration, and ejection from seating produce concussions, contusions, and severe closed-head injuries. Our Beverly Hills brain injury lawyer team sees these cases regularly.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Compression fractures and disc herniations from train collisions can cause partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injury attorneys at our firm work with neurological specialists to document the full extent of the damage.
Amputations and crush injuries. Passengers trapped in wreckage and pedestrians struck at crossings face limb loss and crush syndrome.
Multiple fractures. Broken bones in the spine, pelvis, ribs, and extremities are among the most frequent train accident injuries.
Internal organ damage and internal bleeding. Blunt abdominal and chest trauma from impact or seatbelt loading can cause life-threatening internal injuries.
Fires following derailments, electrical contact with third-rail systems, and hazardous material releases produce severe burn injuries.
Fatal injuries. Train accidents produce a disproportionate rate of fatalities. Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death
What Injuries Are Common in Train Accidents?
Pedestrians struck at crossings and passengers in derailments face the highest risk of fatal or permanently disabling outcomes. Even a lower-speed incident like a sudden stop on Metro or a platform fall can leave you with concussions, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage that requires months of treatment.
Common Causes of Train & Railroad Accidents
Most train accidents are preventable.
Railroad crossing warning failures. Defective or missing gates, lights, and bells at grade crossings leave pedestrians and motorists without adequate warning. The railroad, the crossing maintainer, or the overseeing government entity may be liable.
Negligent or fatigued operators. Conductors and engineers who are distracted, impaired, or exceeding federal hours-of-service limits cause collisions that the transit agency or railroad employer must answer for.
Excessive or unsafe speed. Trains operating above posted speed limits or too fast for track conditions cause derailments and increase the severity of crossing collisions.
Poorly maintained track. Deferred maintenance, defective rails, broken ties, and failed switches cause derailments that the track owner is responsible for.
Defective equipment. Brake failures, door malfunctions, coupling defects, and faulty signaling systems can support a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Failure to implement Positive Train Control (PTC). The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 mandated PTC, a collision-avoidance system, after the 2008 Chatsworth Metrolink disaster. Railroads that failed to implement or properly maintain PTC may face additional liability.
What Causes Most Train Accidents?
Operator error and crossing-signal failures account for the largest share of cases like yours. Federal Railroad Administration data consistently identifies human factors, including fatigue, distraction, and impairment, as the leading cause of rail incidents nationwide.
Injured Railroad Workers: FELA Claims
Railroad employees injured on the job don’t file workers’ compensation claims. So how do they recover? By suing their employer under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), 45 U.S.C. § 51, a federal statute.
FELA provides several advantages over workers’ compensation. Injured workers can recover full damages, including pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not allow.
The causation standard is lower than ordinary negligence. Courts describe it as a “featherweight” burden, meaning you only need to show your employer’s negligence played any part in causing your injury. The assumption-of-risk defense is abolished, and comparative fault reduces the recovery but doesn’t bar it.
Your FELA claim carries a three-year statute of limitations.
If you were injured while working for Union Pacific, BNSF, Metrolink, Amtrak, or any other railroad, contact The Injury Partners to discuss your case. We evaluate every railroad worker injury and either handle the claim directly or connect you with a FELA specialist who can.
Can Railroad Workers Sue Their Employer After an On-the-Job Injury?
Yes, under FELA. The statute gives railroad employees the right to sue their employer in federal or state court for any injury caused in whole or in part by the railroad’s negligence. This includes unsafe equipment, inadequate training, dangerous work conditions, exposure to hazardous materials, and repetitive stress injuries.
How Train Accident Cases Are Investigated
Railroads and transit agencies deploy their own response teams within hours of an accident. If your attorney does not act just as fast, the evidence you need may be altered, overwritten, or discarded.
A thorough investigation of your train accident case follows these steps:
Preserve the black box. Trains carry Event Data Recorders (EDRs) that log speed, braking, throttle position, and horn activation. This data can be overwritten on the next trip if a preservation demand is not sent immediately.
Obtain maintenance and inspection logs. Track condition reports, signal maintenance records, and vehicle inspection logs reveal whether the railroad or transit agency met its maintenance obligations.
Review operator conduct. Hours-of-service records, drug and alcohol testing results, training records, and cell phone data establish whether the engineer or conductor was fatigued, distracted, or impaired.
Coordinate with federal investigators. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates major rail accidents, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) enforces safety standards. Their findings can support your claim.
Retain forensic reconstruction experts. An accident reconstruction specialist can analyze track geometry, signal timing, sightline data, and train dynamics to establish how the collision occurred and who is responsible.
Who Investigates Train and Railroad Accidents?
Multiple agencies may investigate the same accident. The NTSB investigates major derailments, collisions, and fatalities.
The FRA investigates safety violations and enforces federal regulations. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees rail crossing safety in California. The railroad or transit agency conducts its own internal investigation, which is designed to protect the railroad.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Train Accident
California doesn’t cap noneconomic damages in personal injury cases.
Your economic losses cover past and future medical bills, including emergency care at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center or UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, surgery and rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, assistive devices, and property damage.
California also allows recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, permanent disability, and loss of consortium.
Punitive damages can apply under California Civil Code § 3294 when the railroad or transit agency acted with gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct. In cases where a train accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.
California’s pure comparative negligence system reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault but does not bar it.
What Is a Train Accident Case Worth?
No formula exists for valuing a train accident claim. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, which parties are liable, the amount of available insurance or self-insurance, and the strength of the evidence establishing negligence or a breach of the common carrier duty.
The only accurate way to assess your claim is to have an attorney review the facts. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.
Train & Rail Accidents Near Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is now directly connected to LA’s heavy-rail transit network. The LA Metro D Line (Purple Line) subway extension runs beneath Wilshire Boulevard with a station at Wilshire/Rodeo in the heart of Beverly Hills and an adjacent station at Wilshire/La Cienega. Subway service now runs directly under the city’s busiest commercial corridor.
Metrolink commuter trains and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner connect the broader region through Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. Railroad crossings throughout Los Angeles County create ongoing collision risks for pedestrians and motorists.
Does Beverly Hills Have a Metro Train Line?
Yes. The D Line connects Beverly Hills to Koreatown, downtown Los Angeles, and points east, with additional westward expansion planned toward Westwood.
Riders injured on the D Line, at a Beverly Hills station, or on any other Metro line may have a claim against LACMTA.
Speak With a Beverly Hills Train & Railroad Accident Attorney at The Injury Partners Today
Train and railroad accident cases involve government claim deadlines that don’t wait, black box data that can be overwritten on the next trip, and corporate defense teams that mobilize within hours.
Delay costs you evidence and can cost you your case.
The Injury Partners represents train and railroad accident victims on a contingency-fee basis, which means you will never pay out of pocket. Our founding attorneys are available 24/7 and handle every case personally.
Passengers, pedestrians, motorists, and railroad workers all have different claim paths, and we know how to run each one.
Reach out to us online, call (310) 220-0066 or email info@theinjurypartners.com for a free consultation. Our Beverly Hills office is at 499 N. Canon Dr., Suite B1, 90210.
