New Jersey Transit operates one of the largest train systems in the country.  Light rail and other commuter trains carry thousands of passengers to and from nearby NYC and throughout the state and country.  All of those passengers expect to reach their destinations safely. At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our team of New Jersey train accident lawyers strive to minimize the financial fallout for your family by advocating for your right to full and fair compensation.

Major train accidents are almost always highly publicized. Insurance companies and defense lawyers go to work immediately with one goal in mind: minimizing the financial fallout. At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our goal is to minimize the financial fallout for your family by advocating for your right to full and fair compensation.

Our Knowledgeable Team Of Train Injury Attorneys in Rochelle Park, NJ Work Quickly To Get Your Claim To Court On Time

Because New Jersey train systems are operated by government entities, it becomes even more important to hire a lawyer with specialized experience in these cases as quickly as possible.  Making an injury claim against the government adds a number of complications. Your time for making a claim, for example, is much shorter than in other types of injury cases.

Our train injury attorneys in Rochelle Park, NJ have over 120 years of experience handling these complex claims.  We have dedicated our practice to getting justice for New Jersey accident victims’ rights and don’t back down even when the at-fault party is the government itself.  Schedule a free, no-obligation case review by calling our office or contact us online.

Types of New Jersey Transit Train Accidents

New Jersey transit operates an extensive network of trains.  These trains run on complex schedules requiring significant oversight to keep trains running safely and smoothly.  The numerous trains themselves require regular inspection and maintenance to keep passengers safe. When accidents do happen, the consequences are almost always widespread and serious.

Our New Jersey train accident lawyers at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. are available to handle train accident cases stemming from:

  • Train derailment
  • Unexpected stopping of a train
  • The train’s failure to stop
  • Negligent operation, including operator distraction, fatigue or drug or alcohol use
  • Equipment failures, including brake failures
  • Communication failures
  • Electrical failures
  • Collisions with vehicles or pedestrians at train crossings
  • Poor train platform design or maintenance
  • Train track obstructions
  • Premature closing of train doors, which can cause passengers to be trapped or dragged by the train

As with any other accident claim, you must show that negligence somehow caused your injuries.  The train company’s own financial responsibility can be reduced if more than one party was negligent—including in situations where a passenger or outside driver was negligent. 

At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., we work tirelessly to determine how a train accident was caused to make sure you get the fair compensation you need to move forward.  We are also passionate about holding negligent train operators accountable to improve the safety of the NJ Transit system as a whole.

Common Train Accident Injuries

Train accident victims usually suffer from the same types of injuries that a car accident might cause.  Unfortunately, train accident victims often do not benefit from the availability of seat belts or restraints that can serve to minimize injuries. 

Our firm will fight to recover compensation for train accident victims who have suffered:

Getting Fair Compensation for New Jersey Train Accident Injuries

In most train accident cases, the victims are passengers who are completely blameless.  Our lawyers fight to get fair compensation to cover the costs of:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Past and future lost wages
  • Physical therapy, rehab and ongoing care needs
  • Disfigurement
  • Permanent disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Occupational therapy
  • Loss of your loved one’s company and financial support

The insurance company or an agent of the train operator is extremely likely to contact train accident victims soon after the accident.  After all, the financial stakes are usually very high. Importantly, remember that the insurance company is not on your side–their financial goal is to pay as little as possible, even if the adjuster seems kind and concerned.

The process for getting fair compensation depends upon the train operator.  Primary passenger trains in New Jersey include:

  • NJ Transit, which is operated by the state
  • PATH, which is operated by the Port Authority, a joint operation controlled by New York and New Jersey
  • Amtrak, which is technically a private entity that receives government funding
  • SEPTA and PATCO, which connect New Jersey cities to Pennsylvania

Significant procedural differences exist based on whether the train operator is public or private, like Amtrak.  In cases against NJ Transit and other public rail lines, we have only 90 days to file a complaint in most cases. Conversely, the time limit is two years for injury claims against a private entity.  Regardless of whether the entity is public or private, calling a lawyer immediately will greatly increase your odds of recovering fair compensation. 

Contact Our New Jersey Train Accident Lawyers for a Risk-Free Consultation Today

New Jersey has a reputation for train safety issues.  NJ Transit, in particular, has been cited for numerous safety violations in the past decade.  Unfortunately, many train accidents could be prevented entirely with proper safety precautions.

In any train accident case, you need a strong and aggressive legal advocate to fight for your rights.  At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our accident lawyers are known for getting results for injured clients. We review your case for free to help you understand your legal rights.  To schedule your free consultation, call our office or fill out this online contact form today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Train Accident Claims in New Jersey

Can I sue the train line if my loved one was killed in a train accident?

Yes. Our lawyers can file a wrongful death claim against the negligent train operator. All otherwise available damages can be recovered in a wrongful death action if they apply, with the addition of compensation for funeral and burial costs, as well as loss of your loved one’s company, affection or financial support.

What should I do if I was in a train accident?

It is important to remain calm and follow crew members’ instructions after a train accident. Many train accident cases involve injury to multiple parties. Call 911 for medical help immediately if you are able. Taking photos and videos of the train crash also provides valuable support for a later claim. Speak with people around you and exchange contact information if you were on the train. Fellow passengers can provide corroborative testimony about what happened even if no one is entirely sure what caused the accident (as is common).

Testimonials

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of The Epstein Law Firm is, “These guys know what they are doing!” Being involved in a lawsuit is emotionally draining. Having a team like them to support you is like having the best captain in uncharted waters. Aside from being my lawyers and doing their job, it felt like they genuinely cared about me and my mental state. No words can ever fully express my gratitude.

Nicholas G.

An outstanding firm with excellent attorneys. If you need a representation, they are definitely the ones to contact.

Jamie B.