Train crashes are an all too common occurrence in the U.S., and when they happen, they have devastating results. The Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis reports that in 2008 there have already been over 1,200 train accidents with over 90 fatal wrecks. Recently the residents of Southern California were rocked by a tragic accident where a Metrolink passenger train collided head-on with a Union Pacific freight train in Simi Valley. Over 220 passengers were travelling on the Metrolink train the afternoon of Friday, September 12, 2008 when it crashed in Chatsworth. So far, 25 people are dead, and 135 are injured, 40 of whom are in critical condition. The force of the collision caused the trains to erupt in flames, making the crash a deadly disaster. The Metrolink train was traveling from downtown LA to Moorpark in Ventura County.

It is still unclear how this accident could have occurred, but preliminary reports are that the Metrolink commuter train engineer failed to stop at a red light in the Chatsworth area, a suburb of Los Angeles. The crash happened on a stretch of the track that is considered to be quite dangerous. The tracks in this area form a "U" shape, and there is a length of track where one train can safely pass another. This obviously did not happen on Friday afternoon and the tragic result was a deadly crash. Metrolink has admitted engineer error as the cause of the crash, but Federal officials are investing the accident to make sure that the signal was not faulty. Generally trains have an engineer at the front of the train and a conductor at the back who call each other to repeat signals they've seen on the track. The train should have passed by four signals warning them to stop by flashing yellow or red, but records so far do not indicate that there was any communication between the engineer and the conductor on the last two officials. It is still unclear where the signals were faulty, or if the engineer ignored the warnings and continued on the track.

If you or a loved one was injured in the recent Chatsworth Metrolink train disaster, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. We know that this is a terrible time for you and your family, but having a lawyer on your side can actually make things easier for you. Focus on the things you need to right now, and make sure that your legal rights are being protected by an experienced trial attorney.  Depending upon your case we may offer our clients a loan for personal expenses including medical costs, funeral costs, etc.* Please call us now for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776).

*Personal loans offered to our clients who have endured the Metrolink train crash are compliant with the terms and conditions of Cal. Rules of Professional Conduct 3-300 and 4-210.  Nothing in this advertisement should be construed as an offer, a formation of representation, or an agreement to pay, guarantee payment, or represent any individual.