California Metrolink and Train Accident Lawyer: Commuter Rail Injury Claims
Metrolink carries commuters across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and northern San Diego counties. Its trains share track and crossings with freight railroads and Amtrak, so one crash can involve several companies and agencies. For crashes in Los Angeles County, see our train accident lawyer in Los Angeles section.
At Union Station and other shared stops, many Metrolink riders transfer to Metro trains and buses. If you were hurt on the Metro side of the trip, see our LA Metro bus and rail accident claims page.
Amtrak shares stations and track with Metrolink in Southern California. Our page on Amtrak accident claims explains the differences.
In plain terms: A Metrolink accident claim is a request for payment for injuries caused by a Metrolink train, crew, station, or crossing. Metrolink is operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, a joint powers authority of public agencies, so a written government claim generally must be presented within six months under Government Code section 911.2 before suit.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Win Attorneys represents people hurt in train accidents and mass transit accidents across California. If your crash happened in Los Angeles County, see our Los Angeles train accident attorney section. Our office is fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese.
Talk to us at (562) 296-5380 or reach out through our contact page with questions about your claim. Office: 17291 Irvine Blvd., Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780.
Common Metrolink and Train Injuries
- Collisions at grade crossings with cars, trucks, and pedestrians.
- Derailments and train-to-train collisions.
- Platform falls, gaps, and boarding injuries.
- Passenger injuries from sudden braking.
- Injuries near track work, closures or substitute buses. See who pays if you are hurt during Metrolink track work.
- Station hazards such as stairs, lighting, and parking areas.
See our guide to train and rail crossing injuries.
Who May Be Responsible
- Metrolink, as the public rail authority.
- Contract operators that provide train crews or maintenance.
- Track owners, which can be a public agency or a freight railroad, depending on the line.
- A city, county, or Caltrans when crossing design, signals, or roads played a part. See our California government and Caltrans claims guide.
- A driver who stopped on the tracks or went around crossing gates.
Some station injuries involve a connecting shuttle or local bus rather than the train. Our California bus accident page explains how those claims differ.
Deadlines for Metrolink Claims
- Six months to present a claim to a public entity for injury or death, under Government Code section 911.2.
- Late-claim application within a reasonable time, no later than one year, under section 911.4, if the six months are missed.
- Six months after written rejection to file suit, or two years from accrual if no proper notice is given, under section 945.6.
- Two years for most injury suits against private parties, under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.
Read the transit six-month claim deadline checklist.
Passengers are owed the utmost care. See Hurt on a Metrolink train: carrier duty and the 6-month deadline.
Most Metrolink stations are owned by cities or county agencies, not the railroad. Learn what to do after a fall at a Metrolink station.
Evidence in Train Cases
- Train number, car number, station, and time.
- Your ticket or app record.
- Photos of the crossing, gates, signals, and platform.
- A written request to preserve video, event recorder data, and dispatch records.
- Witness names and phone numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim after a Metrolink accident?
Because Metrolink is run by a public joint powers authority, an injury claim generally must be presented within six months under Government Code section 911.2.
Can I bring a claim if I was hit at a crossing in my car?
Yes, depending on the facts. Crossing design, signals, warning devices, and crew conduct can all matter, and several parties may share responsibility.
What if a family member was killed by a train?
Family members may have a wrongful death claim. The six-month claim rule still applies to public entities. See our wrongful death page.
Is Amtrak the same as Metrolink?
No. Amtrak is a federally chartered corporation, and different rules can apply. Some lines share track and stations, so identify the operator early. For Pacific Surfliner and other Amtrak routes, see our Amtrak accident claims page.
Talk to us at (562) 296-5380 or reach out through our contact page. Office: 17291 Irvine Blvd., Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780.