The six-month statute of limitations for filing an injury or death claim against the California government for the deadly Chatsworth train accident that left 25 people dead and injured over 200 victims last September is fast approaching. Victims and their families have until March 12, 2009. Once the claim has been filed and 45 days have passed or the claim is denied, then plaintiffs can file their California wrongful death or personal injury lawsuits against Southern California Regional Rail Authority, Metrolink, and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA).
The catastrophic Southern California train collision between a Metrolink train and a Union Pacific Freight train occurred on September 12, 2008 after the Metrolink operator, Robert Sanchez, failed to stop at a red signal. Records indicate that Sanchez, who did not survive the head-on collision, was receiving and sending text messages up until 22 seconds before the deadly accident. Seven freight cars were derailed and passengers became trapped in at least three Metrolink cars. One of the cars caught fire.
Other likely personal injury and wrongful death defendants include Connex Railroad, Veolia Transportation, and Sanchez's employer. These companies are not government entities, however, so plaintiffs have two years from the date of the accident to file their California lawsuits.
Train Accidents
Train crashes are often serious accidents that can result in injuries for scores of train passengers, as well as motorists and pedestrians who may find themselves involved in a collision with a train.
Common causes of train accidents include:
• Train collision involving another train
• Colliding with a motor vehicle
• Train derailment
• Operator error or negligence
• Defective train parts
• Train malfunction
• Conductor error
California Train Crash Victims' Filing Deadline Fast Approaching, Newsreleasewire.com, February 17, 2009
Federal hearing to focus on fatal Metrolink crash, Riverside County, February 10, 2009
Officials of Metrolink operator comment on deadly crash, Los Angeles Times, October 7, 2008
Related Web Resources:
NTSB sets hearing in LA deadly train collision, CBS 47, February 10, 2009
It is important that you work with a Southern California train accident attorney who knows how to properly investigate and prove your personal injury or wrongful death claim.
