In California, trains are again beginning to play an increasingly important role in transportation. Recent political and economic factors have contributed to countries like China, Japan, and Germany more heavily investing in technology that allows for cheap and convenient train travel. As these countries have developed wonderfully efficient infrastructure that allows for train travel, states such as California are trying to catch up. Metro-link, subways, high speed rails, and trolleys move thousands of people each day.

Unfortunately many of the Californian commuters are involved in train accidents each year. In fact, an agency of the government known as the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, reports that in a single year in California there were 2,500 accidents. In that same year, six deaths and 172 injuries were reported.

These accidents come from a number of various factors: human error, natural factors such as weather, and train, equipment and track malfunctions. It seems, though, that most of these accidents can be prevented simply through taking appropriate precautionary measures. Remembering the following counsel can help in prevention: 1) Do not push, fight, run, or otherwise play around on the platform. 2) Wait until the train comes to a stop, allow passengers to alight, and then board promptly. Do not hold open the doors or rush into the train. 3) In many cases, there is a gap between the platform and the floor of the train. In such situations, be aware of them. When you have boarded the train, remember to store your belongings in appropriate places; never in the aisles where people walk. Do not lean on the doors, watch your belongings, and remember to give special care to those who need it. When not on the train, be extremely watchful around railroad tracks, obeying all signals.

However, as careful your precautions may be, it nonetheless remains that not all train accidents can be prevented, and this is when a victim should seek legal representation of an accident attorney. The state has a responsibility to ensure your safety while aboard the train, and failure to do so can lead to law suits. In California, trains are designated as a "common carrier," meaning that the train owners (which in many cases is the state of California) are expected to do everything they can to prevent even the most minor of injuries.