SANTA CLARITA TRAIN ACCIDENT INJURIES


Metrolink trains run directly through the Santa Clarita Valley, with stations in Santa Clarita, Newhall, and Via Princessa. If you or a loved one was injured in a train accident — whether as a passenger, at a crossing, or near the tracks — there are two important legal principles worth understanding early. Call or text today for a free consultation.

Trains Are Held to a Higher Legal Standard

Under California Civil Code Section 2100, trains and other common carriers owe passengers a duty of "utmost care and diligence" — a significantly higher standard than the ordinary "reasonable care" standard that applies to most negligence claims, including car accidents. This means even relatively minor lapses in care by a train operator can be enough to establish liability, where a similar lapse by an ordinary driver might not be.

Claims Against Metrolink Face a Short, Strict Deadline

Metrolink is operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a public joint powers agency. Because Metrolink is a government entity, claims against it are governed by the California Government Claims Act, which requires filing a formal written claim within six months of the injury — not the standard two-year statute of limitations that applies to most personal injury cases. Missing this six-month deadline can permanently bar your right to recover compensation, regardless of how serious your injuries are.

This shorter deadline doesn't apply to every train-accident scenario — for example, a claim against a private freight railroad or another private party may follow different rules — which is exactly why it's important to identify the correct responsible party and applicable deadline early.

Common Types of Train Accidents
  • Passenger injuries: falls, sudden stops, or collisions while riding
  • Grade crossing accidents: collisions between trains and vehicles or pedestrians at crossings
  • Trespasser and pedestrian accidents: injuries to individuals near or on the tracks
  • Derailments: caused by track defects, equipment failure, or operator error
  • Boarding and platform injuries: falls or injuries while boarding, exiting, or waiting on a platform

Who May Be Liable
Depending on the circumstances, liability in a train accident may extend to:
  • The transit authority operating the train (such as SCRRA/Metrolink)
  • A private contractor responsible for track maintenance or equipment
  • A freight railroad company, in cases involving private rail lines
  • Equipment or parts manufacturers, in cases involving mechanical failure

​What to Do After a Train Accident
  1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
  2. Report the incident to the transit agency or railroad operator
  3. Document the scene — photos, witness information, and any visible hazards
  4. Preserve evidence — surveillance footage, maintenance records, and train data logs are not kept indefinitely
  5. Consult an attorney promptly, given the shortened deadline for claims against public transit agencies

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the deadline to file a claim against Metrolink so much shorter than a typical accident claim?

Because Metrolink is operated by a public agency (SCRRA), claims against it fall under the California Government Claims Act, which requires a formal written claim within six months of the injury, rather than the standard two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims.

Does the "utmost care" standard apply to every train-related injury?

The heightened common carrier standard under Civil Code Section 2100 generally applies to the safety of passengers being transported. Other train-accident scenarios, such as grade-crossing collisions or trespasser injuries, may be evaluated under different legal standards.

What if a private freight railroad, not Metrolink, caused my injury?

Claims against private railroads generally follow the standard two-year statute of limitations rather than the six-month government claims deadline, though federal railroad safety regulations may still apply.

How quickly should I speak with an attorney after a train accident?

As soon as possible. Between the short government claims deadline and the limited time transit agencies retain surveillance footage and data logs, early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference in preserving your claim.

Talk to a Santa Clarita Train Accident Attorney Today
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​Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

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