VTA Light Rail Accidents Giving a Voice to the Injured for Over 20 Years

Injured in a VTA Accident?

Our VTA Light Rail Accident Lawyer Represents Injured Passengers

Use of the public transit system is surging across the Bay Area as gas prices and the overall cost of living increase. Consequently, the rise in ridership had led to higher rates of public transportation accidents and injuries. However, filing an injury claim against a government entity, such as the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), can be difficult for victims of these accidents. Different rules apply to such claims and certain exceptions apply to government agencies. Additionally, the VTA may be unwilling to cooperate or negotiate. Therefore, if you sustained injuries in a light rail accident, then you should speak to an experienced transit accident attorney. A VTA light rail accident lawyer can stand up for your rights and ensure that you follow all applicable procedures for a government claim.

If you suffered a serious injury in a VTA light rail accident or bus crash in the Santa Clara area, then it is important to contact a qualified attorney quickly. VTA light rail accident lawyer Braid Pezzaglia understands the challenges of filing a claim against the Transit Authority. He has experience filing claims and lawsuits against municipalities and public transit agencies. The Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia is located near the Metro Airport light rail station, so we are nearby should you need immediate assistance. We handle all train accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you owe no attorney fees before we obtain a settlement or judgment in your favor.

Who Is Liable for VTA Light Rail Accidents?

Light rail train operators have legal duty to exercise reasonable care to protect passengers and passersby from injury. This includes operating the train in a safe manner and performing necessary inspections. Furthermore, public transportation agencies have a duty to perform routine maintenance on the light rail trains they control. These agencies must also ensure that their employees have the proper training and skill necessary to safely operate the light rail. When transportation authorities and employees neglect these duties, then serious or deadly accidents may occur, such as:

Light rail accidents. This includes train crashes as well as accidents or injuries that occur while you are riding a train. For example, if a handrail breaks while you are riding the train, causing you to fall, then the VTA may be liable for your injuries.
Slip and fall accidents at a train or bus station. The VTA is responsible for maintaining train and bus stations as well. If hazardous conditions at these locations cause you serious injury, then you may be able to file a claim.
Vehicle accidents involving a train. If you are hit by a train as a motorist, motorcycle rider or cyclist, then the VTA is likely liable for your damages.
Pedestrian accidents involving a train. Light rail train conductors must check carefully for pedestrians when dropping off and picking up passengers. If a negligent driver hits you while you are walking or crossing the road, then you may have a claim.

A VTA light rail accident lawyer can investigate your situation and help you hold the Transit Authority accountable.

How Do I File a Claim Against the Santa Clara VTA?

When a light rail operator or government agency is negligent, causing an accident, then injured pedestrians, passengers, cyclists and motorists may have a valid claim for damages. However, unlike most vehicle accident cases, a claim against the Santa Clara VTA is a claim against a public entity. This type of legal action can become complicated and difficult to navigate without the help of a qualified legal professional.

First, the timeline for making a claim and filing a lawsuit is usually shorter. In California, you usually only have six months to file a claim. However, this can vary depending on the specifics of your circumstances. Additionally, the process for filing an injury claim against a government entity is different. If you miss the deadline or fail to follow proper procedure, then you may not be able to recover the compensation you deserve. If you believe the Santa Clara VTA may be liable for your injuries, then contact our VTA light rail accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Injured on the Light Rail? Contact Our VTA Light Rail Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in an accident involving a light rail in the Bay Area, then contact the Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia. Our experienced Santa Clara VTA accident attorney is an experienced negotiator and litigator.

Your time to file a claim is limited, so contact our office online or call (408) 650-8955 right away.

Legal Malpractice $4.7 Million Judgement
$4,700,000 judgment was obtained in a legal malpractice case where the client’s prior attorney transferred title to his own property and held other property under the former spouse’s name.
Tax Reassessment $3.5 Million Appeal
$3,500,000 appealed increase in real property tax reassessment successfully appealed.
Horse Accident $2.0 Million Recovered
$2,000,000 recovered on a horse / equine accident involving quadriplegia. The defense argued the primary assumption of risk despite the newbie victim being given a horse with dangerous propensities known to its handler.
Spinal Injury $1.0 Million Recovered
$1,000,000 recovered for a client who suffered spinal injuries from a fall off a ladder. The defense contested liability, and there were multiple insurance coverage disputes.
Motorcycle Accident $1.0 Million Recovered
$1,000,000 recovered for a client in a motorcycle vs car collision. The defense claimed the motorcycle traveled too fast and struck the defendant who was making a left turn.
Firework Injury $1.0 Million Settlement
$1,000,000 recovered on a product liability case involving fireworks and multiple amputations. Not only was liability disputed, but the insurance carrier vigorously disputed coverage.
Collision $1.0 Million Recovered
$1,000,000 was recovered in a motor vehicle collision involving an alleged stolen vehicle. Insurance company for the vehicle denied coverage.
Amputation $900,000 Recovered
$900,000 was recovered for an elderly client suffering amputation resulting from tripping on a curb and being run over by a bus pulling away from its stop.
Spinal Injury $750,000
Recovered
$750,000 recovered for a student on a school-sponsored trip, suffering serious spinal injury despite having signed a written activities waiver.
Construction Injury $750,000
Recovered
$750,000 recovered for tradesman client against a sub-contractor for negligently installing safety barriers at a construction site. The defense claimed intoxication.

View All Case Results

Why Choose the Law Offices of
Braid Pezzaglia

We Give the Injured a Voice

Experienced & Dedicated Counsel
Attorney Braid Pezzaglia has over 20 years of dedicated legal experience and provides legal counsel and guidance in five languages, including Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog. We work to customize your experience for your needs.
Personalized Strategies & Results
Unlike other firms, our firm cares about instilling confidence in both you and your case. Our attorneys work one-on-one with you to ensure that your unique needs and goals are not only understood but obtained.
Accountable & Transparent
At the Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia, we pride ourselves on always being available to our clients and we make it our main priority to keep you informed on how our team is working to obtain the best possible result on your behalf

Highly Recommend
“They are easy to talk with and are responsive. I feel like they have a genuine interest in their clients as people as well as the matters they work on. I highly recommend anyone to consult with Braid if they have an injury case to discuss.”
- Elwin Y.
He is a great lawyer and he proved it!
“I’ve dealt with different lawyers and Braid is the only one that genuinely listens and tries to help you out even if he isn’t getting a job out of it. Hands down I wouldn’t even consider anyone else.”
- David J.
Attorney Braid Pezzaglia comes highly recommended.
“Just the brief encounter and conversation I had with Braid he was getting the job done by asking the right questions and interested in assisting my situation. Attorney Braid you are one of the Best in Silicon Valley!”
- Sharon G.
Highly Recommend
“Braid took on a very tough Insurance company on my behalf. Their client was 100% at fault, but they still tried to stonewall and low ball me on a settlement. Through patience and perseverance, Braid got me a great settlement.”
- Sean F.
God Bless you both.
“Aida Gatchalian and Braid Pezzaglia have been great a team to work with. I would like to show my deepest gratitude towards Braid and Aida. I'm very thankful for their kindness, amazing patience, and hard work through this pandemic.”
- Tao Pheeah E.

Read All Reviews

Let Us Be Your Voice

Free & Confidential Consultations

After an injury, things can seem scary and overwhelming. Our team is here to help ease your stress. Let us help fight for the justice you need and deserve.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
Message
Please enter a message.