Train accident cases are among the most complex personal injury claims. They involve federal railroad regulations, government-operated transit systems with strict notice requirements, multiple potentially liable parties, and insurance carriers that defend these claims aggressively. Cellino Law has the experience, resources, and determination to handle every dimension of these cases and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Call Cellino Law today for a free train accident consultation. There are no fees unless we win.
Types of Train Accidents Cellino Law Handles
- Train derailments — when a train leaves the tracks due to mechanical failure, track defects, excessive speed, or operator error
- Train-vehicle collisions at grade crossings — when a train strikes a vehicle at an intersection where road and rail cross
- Pedestrian strikes — when a train strikes a person walking near or on the tracks
- Passenger falls and onboard injuries — injuries occurring inside a train due to sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns
- Platform injuries — falls, crush injuries, or contact with departing trains while on or near a station platform
- Train-train collisions — crashes between two trains due to signal failures, switch malfunctions, or operator error
Cellino Law handles train accident claims involving the MTA, Long Island Railroad, Metro-North, NJ Transit, Amtrak, CSX, and all other rail operators serving our three-state service area.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Train Accident?
Train accident liability is frequently shared among multiple parties:
- The train operator for errors including excessive speed, failure to signal, distracted operation, or failure to stop
- The railroad company for negligent hiring, training, or supervision of operators, or for failing to maintain equipment in safe operating condition
- The government entity operating a public transit system — MTA, NJ Transit, Metro-North, and other public operators — when systemic failures or inadequate maintenance contributed to the crash
- Track maintenance contractors for failing to identify and repair defects
- Equipment manufacturers for defective signals, switches, braking systems, or other components
- Crossing signal maintenance parties when a warning system failure contributed to a vehicle-train collision
Critical Notice Requirements for Government-Operated Rail Systems
Many of the largest rail systems in our service area are operated by government entities — the MTA and Long Island Railroad in New York, NJ Transit in New Jersey, and CTtransit and Shoreline East in Connecticut. Claims against government entities carry strict procedural requirements that differ from standard personal injury claims.
In New York, claims against the MTA, Long Island Railroad, Metro-North, and similar government-operated rail systems require a Notice of Claim to be filed within 90 days of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline typically bars any recovery against the government entity, regardless of how strong the underlying claim is. Visit our New York page for a full overview of how New York’s government notice requirements apply to train accident claims.
In New Jersey, claims against NJ Transit and other government transit operators require a Notice of Tort Claim to be filed within 90 days under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. Visit our New Jersey page for complete information on how New Jersey’s government claim requirements apply.
Contact Cellino Law immediately after any train accident involving a government-operated transit system. The 90-day notice clock begins running from the date of the accident, and missing that deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Injured in a train accident? Contact Cellino Law immediately — time-sensitive notice deadlines may apply.
Common Train Accident Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Broken bones throughout the body
- Burns from fire or chemical exposure following a derailment
- Severe lacerations and soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death
What Compensation Can Train Accident Victims Recover?
- All medical expenses from emergency care through long-term rehabilitation and care
- Future medical costs for ongoing or permanent injuries
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress where applicable under state law
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
How Train Accident Law Varies by State
Cellino Law serves clients in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and certain legal rules governing train accident claims differ across all three states. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific legal information, or contact Cellino Law directly for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Train Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a train accident claim?
If the train was operated by a government entity — such as the MTA, Long Island Railroad, NJ Transit, or Metro-North — you may have as little as 90 days to file a Notice of Claim before any lawsuit can proceed. For private railroad operators, the general personal injury statute of limitations applies — three years in New York, two years in New Jersey and Connecticut. Contact Cellino Law immediately after any train accident. Visit our New York page, New Jersey page, or Connecticut page for state-specific deadline information.
Can I file a claim if I was injured as a passenger?
Yes. Train passengers who are injured because of operator negligence, mechanical failure, or track defects have the same right to pursue personal injury claims as any other accident victim. Cellino Law represents train passengers, pedestrians, and vehicle occupants in collisions at grade crossings throughout our service area.
Does Cellino Law charge upfront fees for train accident cases?
No. Cellino Law handles all train accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless we win. Your initial consultation is free.
Contact Cellino Law for Train Accident Representation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident anywhere in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, Cellino Law is ready to help. Do not wait — government notice deadlines may be as short as 90 days. Call today for a free consultation. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific legal information and office locations near you.
Call Cellino Law today to schedule your free train accident consultation. Trust. Experience. Results.
