Passenger trains transport millions of people across the country in and out of cities and across state lines everyday. Commuter lines like Metro North as well as other private companies, such as Amtrak, operate thousands of trains from the shoreline to every major city. Amtrak transported almost 29 million passengers last year alone.
It operates in 46 states with 21,000 miles of routes and serves more than 500 destinations. As a “common carrier” train companies owe their passengers the highest duty to care to do whatever possible to prevent injury to train passengers and customers.
Unfortunately, railway accidents are more common that you might think with some examples of these being train derailments, trains hitting cars or tractor- trailers at crossings, trains hitting pedestrians and collisions with other trains. These accidents are often caused by human error, driver negligence or equipment failure.
The value of your Connecticut CT train accident or injury case depends on many factors. Unfortunately, train accidents can often cause serious injury or even death. For the most part, value will be determined by the seriousness of your injury and ability to prove someone was at fault for the accident or injury. The following are all likely recoverable following a train accident or injury:
The time period in which to file a lawsuit following a train accident or injury depends on the facts surrounding your case. If you are bringing suit in state court, you generally have two (2) years to file a lawsuit for any negligence case in Connecticut, including a train accident.
However, train accident can be very complex, and time limits can vary depending on who you have to sue. For example, if you are bringing a claim against a government owned agency, such as Metro-North, there are other requirements to send a notice of claim within a much shorter period of time. If filing a claim against New York City, New York Municipal Law 50-e requires that notice is given with 90 days from the date of the train accident or injury. Given the complexities train accident litigation, it is essential that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury.
If you have been injured in a train accident, as a passenger or at the station, you need to act quickly and hire an experienced New Haven injury attorney, as there is limited time to pursue your injury case. At Sorrentino Legal, a Connecticut personal injury lawyer will work tirelessly to help you get compensation for your damages.