Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
A train accident in Orangetown can leave you facing medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about your next steps. If you were injured as a passenger, at a crossing, or near a station, a train accident lawyer in Orangetown can help you understand your options.
Shulman & Hill represents passengers, pedestrians, motorists, and rail employees in Orangetown and throughout Rockland County. Our Orangetown personal injury lawyers handle incidents involving Metro-North Railroad, Amtrak, and other rail systems, including collisions, derailments, station injuries, and wrongful death cases. Our team has over 200 years of combined experience.
Common Causes of Train Accidents
Rail incidents may result from operator error, excessive speed, signal or switch failures, or breakdowns in communication between dispatch and crew. Equipment defects involving brakes, wheels, or couplers can contribute to derailments or collisions.
Station and platform injuries may involve overcrowding, wet or uneven surfaces, damaged edges, or gaps. At crossings, accidents may occur due to malfunctioning gates, obstructed visibility, or improper traffic control.
Third parties may also contribute through negligent maintenance of tracks, signals, or equipment. In some cases, inadequate lighting or security conditions may be factors.
Who May Be Liable After a Train Accident
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may involve a rail carrier such as Metro-North or Amtrak, a train operator, or a maintenance contractor. If a vehicle contributed to the incident, the driver and their insurer may also be involved.
Property owners may share responsibility for hazardous station conditions. Manufacturers may be liable if defective components contributed to the accident.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You may recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
What To Do After a Train Accident in Orangetown
Your actions in the days following an accident can affect both your health and your claim.
- Report the incident to the rail carrier and request any available claim or incident number
- Seek medical care promptly and follow your provider’s recommendations
- Photograph injuries, the scene, vehicles, platforms, and signals, if possible
- Keep tickets, receipts, and records related to the incident
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers before obtaining legal guidance
- Gather witness contact information and note potential camera locations
Damages You May Pursue Under New York Law
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment. Lost income and reduced earning capacity may also be considered.
Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact of injuries on daily life when supported by the facts of the case.
In fatal incidents, wrongful death claims may allow recovery for financial losses experienced by surviving family members under New York law.
Deadlines and Notice Requirements for Train Claims
Most New York personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident.
Claims involving public entities, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority or related agencies, generally require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and follow additional procedural rules.
Rail workers’ claims under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) typically have a three-year statute of limitations. Because multiple deadlines may apply, early action is important.
How Our Train Accident Lawyer in Orangetown Builds Your Case
We begin by preserving available evidence, including incident reports, dispatch records, and surveillance footage. We interview witnesses and gather documentation related to the accident.
Where appropriate, we review operational data, maintenance records, and inspection reports. We also collect medical records and provider documentation to establish the connection between the accident and your injuries.
When necessary, we work with professionals to analyze accident conditions and assess the impact of injuries on your ability to work and live independently.
Rights of Injured Rail Workers (FELA)
If you are a railroad employee injured on the job, your claim may fall under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) rather than standard workers’ compensation.
FELA requires proof that the railroad’s negligence contributed to the injury. Recoverable damages may include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future losses related to disability.
The Claims Process and What To Expect
Your case may begin with an investigation, required notices, and a demand supported by documentation. Some claims resolve through negotiation or mediation once the facts are established.
If liability is disputed or compensation is contested, we may file suit in the appropriate New York court. Litigation may involve discovery, depositions, and, if necessary, a trial.
Throughout the process, we provide updates and explain each step so you can make informed decisions.
Speak With Our Train Accident Lawyer in Orangetown Today
If you were injured in a train accident in Orangetown, timely legal guidance can help preserve evidence and protect your claim. Shulman & Hill can review your case, explain your options, and pursue compensation where appropriate.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your next steps.