California Train Accident Lawyers

Bisnar|Chase, California train accident attorneys, is a prominent and respected law firm serving the people of California since 1978. Bisnar|Chase is aggressive, accomplished and feared by insurance companies, corporate wrongdoers and their law firms. We guide our clients through the legal and financial challenges they encounter on their way to recovery from their accidents and we achieve results.

Urban population in the United States is increasing at unprecedented levels and with the increase in population comes the need for expanded forms of mass transit. Train travel, once considered a romantic and leisurely way to travel throughout the country, is now a necessary conveyance for millions of Americans.

There are over 600 railroads and hundreds of thousands of miles of track traversing the country but unfortunately the increase in train travel has also lead to increased accidents. National statistics show that every two hours there is a train accident that involves property damage, injury and even death.

Some facts about train mishaps are as follows:

1. Every 90 minutes there is a train collision or derailment.
2. A train carrying hazardous material goes off the tracks approximately every 2 weeks in the United States.
3. Railroads are essentially self-regulated and do come under the close scrutiny of the federal government.
4. Rail companies continue to rely on technology that was developed over 70 years ago and very little effort has been made to update safety measures.
5. Local jurisdictions often have no control over the train travel in their area resulting in delays for local emergency response to catastrophic situations in the community. This basically means that the fire trucks will have to wait while a trans continental freight train passes!
6. More than 50% of all railroad accidents occur at unprotected crossings and, according to the Federal Railroad Administration, over 80% of railroad crossings don't have adequate warning devices.
7. Statistics may show that although “vehicle collisions” have decreased in the last few years, “pedestrian collisions” have become an alarming problem. Rail companies have failed to educate the public, improve warning systems, and enforce regulations.

If you or someone in your family has been injured due to the negligence of a rail transportation company, you may be able to file a claim to recover your damages.

The lawyers at Bisnar|Chase are accomplished and feared by insurance companies, corporate wrongdoers and their law firms. We guide our clients through the legal and financial challenges they encounter on their way to recovery from their accidents and we achieve results.

When a railroad or train accident does occur, there are laws that govern whether or not the carrier is liable. There are many factors that determine if the railroad company was at fault and could have prevented the accident and resulting injuries by exercising the proper care and maintenance. Also, if the carrier is found liable, there are even more factors to consider as to what percentage of liability they will have to assume.

Train accidents can be caused in many ways such as train collisions, derailments, poorly maintained tracks, non-compliance of safety standards, inadequate security and other negligence issues. The laws are complex and vary greatly dependant upon the circumstances surrounding the accident.