Tampa Train Accident Lawyer

Were you or a family member injured in a train accident near Tampa, FL? You may be entitled to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and many other damages. Calling an experienced Tampa train accident lawyer is the best way to make sure you’re getting the full compensation you deserve. 

At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we have over 28 years of experience handling personal injury claims. We’ve won over $500 million in compensation to help our injured clients.

You shouldn’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Call our law offices in Tampa, Florida at (813) 222-8656 to schedule a free consultation today to get the legal advice you deserve or contact us here.

How Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Train Accident in Tampa

How Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Train Accident in Tampa

Accidents involving public transportation can be extremely complex. Multiple parties are often injured at the same time. You’ll quickly find that facing off against a large commercial insurance company isn’t easy.

Our experienced Tampa personal injury attorneys at Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process. 

When you hire us, our legal team will:

  • Immediately investigate the circumstances of the accident
  • Determine who was responsible for the train accident
  • Gather all evidence to support your claim
  • Hire respected experts and specialists
  • Calculate the value of your personal injury claim
  • Handle all insurance negotiations and legal paperwork

Our lawyers have been handling cases like yours since we opened our doors in 1992. Our lawyers have over 120 years of combined experience. We’ve won hundreds of millions of dollars to help our injured clients, and we’ve earned an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell. 

Give us a quick call today to learn more about how our trusted Tampa personal injury lawyers can help in your case.

How Common Are Train Accidents in Tampa, FL?

Train accidents can happen in many different ways. While dramatic train derailments are relatively rare, other train accidents are surprisingly common in Florida. Unfortunately, Florida ranks among the top 10 in the nation when it comes to accidents involving train crossing gates.

According to preliminary data, 1,901 highway railroad crossing accidents occurred across the United States in 2020. 87 of those collisions were in Florida, causing at least 16 deaths and 11 injuries.

Despite these relatively low numbers, countless other train passengers are injured in other types of train accidents, including slip and falls and accidents involving malfunctioning doors or equipment.

What is My Tampa Train Accident Case Worth?

Before you file an insurance claim, it’s important to know how much your personal injury case is worth. Otherwise, you risk accepting a lowball settlement. Remember, the insurance company handles cases like yours every day–and they know how much you deserve.

To properly assess your case value, you’ll have to consider your financial, physical and emotional losses. Our attorneys will ask questions like:

  • What types of medical treatment will you need? 
  • How much will your medical care cost?
  • Will you be able to work during and after your recovery?
  • Will you ever fully recover?
  • How will the injury change your daily life?
  • Will you require assistance with everyday tasks?
  • How did the injury impact your emotional wellbeing?
  • Whether you have rights under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)

Valuation is a complex process. Often, we rely on expert witnesses who can strengthen your case. With their help, we’ll do everything possible to convince the insurance company to offer a full and fair settlement.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Train Accident Victims?

Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best way to make sure you’re accounting for all the damages available in your personal injury case.

At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we’ll fight to recover fair compensation to cover all of your losses, including your economic damages and non-economic damages.

Examples of the types of damages you may have sustained include:

After a railroad accident, the insurance company may approach you with a settlement offer. You should always review that offer with an experienced Tampa train accident attorney before accepting or signing any papers.

At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we review your case for free. We know how to evaluate the damages you’ve sustained and fight for the maximum compensation possible. Just call our law firm today to schedule your free case review.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Train Accident in Florida?

Like any car accident victim, you can recover damages as long as you weren’t 100% responsible for the accident. Florida follows pure comparative fault rules. If you share fault, your damages award will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.

Insurance companies often try to exploit Florida contributory negligence laws. They’ll search for evidence that you failed to mitigate damages or were even partially responsible for the accident. 

Our lawyers can protect you if shared fault is an issue in your case. You can seek legal advice by calling our law offices to schedule a free initial consultation today.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Train Accident Injuries

Train accidents can cause dramatic and life-threatening injuries. At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, our lawyers in Tampa often represent clients who have sustained:

Do you have questions about your legal rights after a train wreck? Call our legal team to schedule a free case evaluation today.

What Causes Most Train Accidents in Tampa, Florida?

You have to identify what caused your train accident to recover damages. With that information, you can identify all parties who may be liable for damages.

Some of the most common causes of train accidents in Tampa include:

  • Failure to inspect and maintain the trains
  • Outdated infrastructure and equipment
  • Negligent hiring practices 
  • Poorly trained operators
  • Poorly maintained or outdated safety features
  • Mechanical failures
  • Lack of proper warning signals
  • Distracted train operators
  • Employees who work under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Excessive speeds
  • Failure to properly maintain train tracks
  • Violation of Federal Railroad Administration rules

Multiple parties often share responsibility in train accident cases. For example, the railroad company can be held vicariously liable for the negligent acts of its employees. 

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Train Accident in Florida? 

Amtrak is the primary train company responsible for operating passenger trains in the Tampa Bay area. After a serious train accident, you can expect the train company to launch a full-scale investigation to find out what happened.

You deserve a lawyer who can do the same. At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we’ll go to work immediately to locate the evidence you need, including:

  • Black box recording device data, if available
  • Records detailing train maintenance and inspection history
  • Reports of past safety violations
  • Evidence about the train company’s hiring practices
  • Information about the train operator’s qualifications 
  • Video surveillance footage
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Testimony from accident reconstruction specialists

The goal is to find enough evidence to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your accident and injuries. Negligence is a legal term for carelessness. 

To prove negligence, you need evidence to establish:

  • A legal duty of care existed
  • A breach of duty
  • The breach directly caused the accident
  • You suffered injuries or other damages

While negligence is the typical basis for a personal injury claim, some parties can be held strictly liable for damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Train Accident in Florida?

The statute of limitations in most Florida personal injury cases is two years. Accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. After the two-year anniversary passes, you lose your right to seek damages.

If a government authority was responsible for your injuries, you’ll have even less time to take legal action. Under Florida law, you have three years to provide notice of the claim to the responsible government agency. Once you provide the notice of claim, the government agency then has time to investigate before you can file a lawsuit. 

Building a strong personal injury case takes time. Our lawyers will often search for evidence and bring in experts to strengthen your claim. Preparation is the key to convincing the insurance company to make a reasonable settlement offer.

Contact a Tampa Train Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Were you or a loved one injured in a train accident? Call Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers to speak with an experienced Tampa train accident lawyer today. As always, your consultation is 100% free of charge.

Our Tampa, FL personal injury law firm also provides: