2 LA Metro train accidents in one day? Is it just a coincidence?
Two people were killed and another four were injured on Monday in downtown LA, following two separate accidents involving Metro Blue Line trains. In the first accident, a pedestrian was hit by a train in Central City. The victim was transported to the hospital in unknown condition and the train was evacuated.
Later that day, two people were killed and three injured after another Metro Blue Line train hit a Honda Civic at 1629 E. 24th St., several blocks south of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway. All the people in the Honda were employees from a nearby soap manufacturing company who were returning home after their shift.
The train was carrying 125 passengers at the time, but only one was reported injured.
The causes of the crashes are as yet unknown, with police working to establish whether the signals alerting drivers of an incoming train were functioning at the time of the crash.
Who is liable for damages in a Metro train accident?
Determining liability for damages in an accident involving a train or other public transport vehicle can be complex and depends on various factors, such as the circumstances of the accident and the laws of the jurisdiction where the crash occurred.
Generally speaking, if the accident was caused by the negligence of the public transport operator or its employees, such as the driver or conductor, the operator may be held liable for damages. Negligence could include failure to properly maintain equipment, failure to follow safety protocols, or reckless or distracted driving. When you’re going after a public entity, you will need knowledgeable Los Angeles accident lawyers by your side. Reach out to a good lawyer as soon as possible so they can investigate the causes of the crash.
However, if the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, such as a car that crossed the train tracks without stopping at a signal, the other driver may be held liable for damages.
What is the Rule of Six when suing a public entity in California?
It is important to note that if the accident involves a government-run public transport system, such as a city bus, train or subway, special procedures are in place for filing a claim or lawsuit against the government entity. These laws may have different requirements, such as shorter timeframe for filing a claim or different limitations on the damages that can be awarded. Experienced California personal injury lawyers commonly refer to the Rule of Six when dealing with an accident involving a public entity.
Under California laws:
- You have six months to notify the public entity of your personal injury claim
- If your claim is rejected, your deadline to file a complaint and initiate litigation is then six months from the date of the rejection letter
- If you don’t get a rejection letter, you can file a claim within 2 years of the date of the accident.
However, if you did not notify the public entity you hold responsible within 6 months, reach out to a knowledgeable accident lawyer in Los Angeles. You may still get your day in court by immediately filing an Application to Present a Late Claim.
Have you been injured in a train or bus accident in Los Angeles?
If you or a loved one were recently injured in a train or bus accident in the Los Angeles area, contact the skilled attorneys at the Neumann Law Group. Our attorneys possess years of experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Through our dedicated representation of accident victims and their families, we will help you bring the at-fault driver to justice. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our toll-free number at 800-525-6386. To contact our California office, call 213-277-0001.
