NJ Train Accident Lawyers Pursue Compensation for Injured Riders

Train accident attorneys in Ridgewood serving Northern New Jersey

Every day, hundreds of light rail, commuter and long-distance trains travel on New Jersey railroad tracks. With so many NJ Transit, PATH and Amtrak trains on the rails at any given time, there is always a possibility that an accident will occur, especially at the state’s many railroad crossings. Because of the sheer size and weight of trains, these collisions often cause catastrophic injuries to passengers, motor vehicle occupants and pedestrians. At Seigel Law in Ridgewood, we assist victims of train accidents by helping them get compensation for their injuries. We serve clients throughout New Jersey, including residents of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.   

Common causes of train accidents

There are various ways that derailments, collisions and other types of train accidents can happen. Some of the more common contributing factors include:  

  • Inattention by engineers
  • Drug or alcohol impairment
  • Equipment malfunctions on trains or at railroad crossings
  • Defective railroad tracks
  • Train cars stopped on tracks
  • Inexperienced or poorly trained conductors
  • Speeding by train operators in order to meet schedules

Our attorneys are highly experienced at investigating how train accidents happen. When you have been hurt in an accident, we will analyze the facts to identify the cause and work to hold at-fault parties accountable.

Common train accident injuries

Catastrophic injuries in train accidents can occur to passengers inside the car who hit hard surfaces or each other, as well as people near the tracks struck by such a massive vehicle. Specific medical conditions that might result from a railroad accident include the following:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Concussions
  • Lost limbs
  • Spinal cord fractures
  • Bone fractures
  • Crush injuries
  • Organ damage
  • Soft tissue damage

People with major injuries may require medical care and assistance with basic everyday tasks for the rest of their lives. When we take your case, our attorneys will pursue the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled.  

Statute of limitations for train accident claims

When you are injured in a public transportation accident, you do not have long to file a lawsuit for compensation. If you are seeking damages arising out of an NJ Transit or PATH collision, you only have 90 days from the date of the accident to launch a claim. Currently, Amtrak limits its passengers to having claims decided by arbitration. In any case, you should not wait to take action, because if you wait too long, you might not be able to collect any legal remedy.  

Why you need a lawyer for your train accident

To be successful in a lawsuit, you must show that the accident was caused by another party’s negligence. You must also follow all the special rules of suing a public entity. A lawyer who is well-versed in handling train accident claims can greatly increase your chances of a successful outcome by:

  • Gathering and examining all of the evidence to support your contention that the negligence of the train personnel, operating authority or another party caused the accident
  • Filing your claim for you and handling negotiations with at-fault parties, their insurers and their attorneys
  • Taking your case to court if you are unable to achieve a settlement that fairly addresses  your medical bills, lost wages, permanent harm and pain and suffering

Our lawyer will build the strongest case possible and closely advise you throughout the claim process.

Get the help you need with your train accident injury claim in New Jersey

Seigel Law in Ridgewood is an exceptional personal injury law firm that successfully helps people injured in train accidents in New Jersey get compensation, including residents of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. To schedule a free consultation, call our firm at 201-444-4000 or contact us online.