California Rail Injury Advocates
BART & Train Accident Lawyers
Train accidents involve massive forces and complex liability. Whether you were injured on BART, Caltrain, Amtrak, or at a railroad crossing, you're dealing with government agencies and large corporations with legal teams ready to minimize your claim. We know how to fight them.
⚠️ BART & public transit claims have a 6-month deadline — not 2 years. Call today.
We Handle All Rail Systems
Train & Rail Accidents We Handle
Each rail system has different operators, insurance, and claim procedures. We know them all.
BART
Bay Area Rapid Transit accidents, station injuries, and platform incidents
Caltrain
Peninsula commuter rail collisions and crossing accidents
Amtrak
Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin, and long-distance train accidents
Light Rail & Crossings
Sacramento RT, VTA, and railroad crossing accidents
Types of Incidents
Train Accident Types We Handle
Train Collisions & Derailments
Multi-car collisions, derailments, and crashes with other vehicles at crossings.
Sudden Stop Injuries
Passengers thrown or injured when trains brake suddenly without warning.
Platform & Station Accidents
Falls, gaps between train and platform, and being struck while boarding.
Escalator & Stair Injuries
Malfunctioning escalators, broken stairs, and slip-and-falls in stations.
Inadequate Security
Assaults, robberies, and attacks due to negligent security at stations or on trains.
Railroad Crossing Accidents
Collisions at crossings due to faulty signals, missing gates, or operator error.
Critical Differences
Why Train Accident Cases Are Different
Government Claim Deadlines
For BART and public transit, you must file a government claim within 6 months. Miss this deadline and you may lose your right to sue entirely.
Highest Duty of Care
Trains are "common carriers" under California law, meaning they owe passengers the highest duty of care—a higher standard than ordinary negligence.
Catastrophic Injuries
The mass and speed of trains cause severe injuries—spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and fatalities are common.
Rail Litigation Expertise
Standard Approach vs. Scranton Strategy
| Legal Factor | The Insurance Approach | The Scranton Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Government Claim Filing | Misses 6-month BART deadline ✗ | Files claim within days of hire ✓ |
| Surveillance Evidence | "Station footage was deleted" ✗ | Subpoenas video immediately ✓ |
| Common Carrier Standard | Applies ordinary negligence ✗ | Invokes highest duty of care ✓ |
| Multiple Defendants | Only sues transit agency ✗ | Names operators, contractors, manufacturers ✓ |
| Federal Railroad Claims | Unfamiliar with FELA/FRA rules ✗ | Experienced in federal rail regulations ✓ |
Injured in a Train Accident?
What to Do Right Now
Document Everything
Note the train line, station, car number, and time. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards.
Report to Transit Staff
Report the accident to BART staff or train personnel. Request a copy of any incident report they create.
Get Witness Information
Other passengers are key witnesses. Get names and phone numbers before everyone exits the station.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Train accidents cause serious internal injuries. Get evaluated within 24 hours even if you feel okay.
Don't Give Recorded Statements
Transit agencies will send investigators quickly. Don't give statements without an attorney present.
Call Us Before the Deadline
Government claims have a 6-month deadline. We file claims immediately: 800-707-0707
Understanding BART & Train Accident Claims
If you're wondering "can I sue BART after an accident?" the answer is yes—but you must follow strict procedures. Train accidents are among the most complex personal injury cases because they involve government agencies with special legal protections and aggressive legal teams.
The 6-Month Government Claim Deadline
One of the most common questions we hear is "how long do I have to file a BART accident claim?" For BART and other public transit systems, you have only 6 months—not the standard 2-year statute of limitations. This isn't a lawsuit; it's a formal government claim that must be filed before you can even take legal action. BART has its own specific claim form, and missing this deadline can permanently bar your case.
Trains Are "Common Carriers" with Higher Responsibilities
People often ask us "is it easier to win a train accident case?" In many ways, yes. Under California law, trains are classified as "common carriers," which means BART, Caltrain, and other rail operators owe passengers the highest duty of care—not just ordinary care. This higher standard means any failure to protect passenger safety strengthens your negligence claim significantly.
Station and Platform Accidents
Not all train accidents happen on the train itself. If you were injured on an escalator, slipped on a wet platform, fell through a gap between the train and platform, or were assaulted due to inadequate security, BART and other transit agencies can be held liable. These agencies have a duty to maintain safe stations and adequate security.
Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian near tracks, or involved in a railroad crossing accident, call us immediately. Station surveillance footage is often overwritten within days, and the 6-month government claim deadline is unforgiving.
A Personal Message
"Transit agencies have armies of lawyers. Now you have an army too."
"BART and Caltrain have entire legal departments designed to deny and minimize claims. They know most people don't understand the 6-month deadline, and they count on victims missing it. My firm files government claims within days of being retained. We've been holding transit agencies accountable for 50 years, and we know exactly how to build cases they can't ignore."— Chris Scranton, CEO & Trial Advocate
The Scranton Process
What to Expect When You Hire Us
Free Expert Case Audit
You call us at 800-707-0707. We identify the rail system, determine which claim deadlines apply, and tell you honestly what your case is worth.
Government Claim Filing
For BART, Caltrain, and public transit, we prepare and file your government claim immediately—well before the 6-month deadline expires.
Evidence Preservation
We subpoena station surveillance footage, operator logs, maintenance records, and incident reports before they're overwritten or destroyed.
Medical Care Coordination
Train accidents cause serious injuries. We connect you with specialists who treat on a lien basis—you pay nothing out of pocket while your case is pending.
Aggressive Negotiation or Litigation
We build a comprehensive demand targeting all responsible parties. If they won't pay fair value, we file suit and take them to trial.
Maximum Recovery & Payment
We resolve all medical liens and paperwork, ensuring you receive your recovery check as quickly as possible. You pay nothing unless we win.
Expert Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving Northern California
Train Accident Lawyers Near You
From our Concord headquarters, we represent train accident victims throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. We handle claims against all major rail systems in the region.
Rail systems we've handled claims against: BART, Caltrain, Amtrak Capitol Corridor, Sacramento RT Light Rail, VTA Light Rail, ACE Train, and Union Pacific Railroad
The Scranton Advantage
Why Choose Us for Your Train Accident Case
Main Office: 2450 Stanwell Drive, Concord, CA 94520
By Appointment: Oakland, CA • Sacramento, CA
Injured in a Train Accident?
Government claims have strict deadlines. Don't wait — call us today for a free evaluation.
Free Case Evaluation100% Confidential. Trial-Ready. Available 24/7.