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your Rights Matter, Even on the Rails Powerful Advocacy After Train Accidents
  • $4.8 Million Bicycle Accident
  • $11 Million Police Shooting Victims
  • Maximum Compensation Bus Accident
  • $1.5 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
  • $625K Premises Liability
  • $2.4 Million Pedestrian Accident
  • $3.25 Million Cement Truck Accident
  • $10 Million Tractor-Trailer Accident
  • $31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
  • $1 Million Falling Object Injury
  • $1.65 Million Car Accident
  • $1 Million Truck Accident
  • $1.35 Million Drunk Driving Accident
  • $1 Million Assault Injury
  • $31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
  • $11 Million Police Shooting Victims
  • $1.25 Million Premises Liability
  • $4.25 Million Tractor-Trailer Collision

Philadelphia Train Accident Lawyer

Train Accident Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Investigating Rail Collisions and Derailments Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Whether you ride a local subway or take the train across the country, train derailments can happen. And often, they happen when people fail do to the right thing; putting hundreds of lives in jeopardy. Our Philadelphia train accident attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin have seen the devastation that occurs when trains go speeding off the tracks. We help victims and their families in the pursuit of justice against negligence.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

  • $31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
  • $31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
  • $11 Million Police Shooting Victims
  • $11 Million Police Shooting Victims
The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen
From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.
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  • CNN
  • ABC
  • FOX
  • NBC
  • CBS
  • NYT
  • Philadelphia Inquirer
  • TMZ
  • Yahoo! News

Setting the Foundation For a Train Derailment Lawsuit

It is important to know the cause of the accident. You must be able to specifically prove that the train company was negligent in the events leading up to the derailment in order to fully recover the compensation you deserve. Our Philadelphia train derailment attorneys have the skills, resources and dogged determination it takes to aggressively represent victims of train accidents.

The most common causes of train derailments leading to liability include:

  • Excessive speed
  • Operator fatigue
  • Alcohol
  • Illegal drug use
  • Defective fuel tank
  • Inconsistent train track or rail inspection
  • Hazardous chemicals or waste materials
  • Defective railroad crossings
  • Poor operating practices
  • Inadequate signal interchanges
  • Failure to use horn
  • Sun kinks

Frequently Asked Questions About Train Accident and Derailment Claims in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

  • If you are injured in a train accident, your first priority is to get medical attention. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, emergency evaluation helps protect both your health and your legal claim. Report the incident to authorities and document as much as possible by taking photos, gathering witness information, and keeping all medical records. Avoid speaking with representatives from the train company before consulting an experienced train accident attorney. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence and prevents you from unknowingly accepting blame or agreeing to an unfair settlement.

  • Negligence in train accidents often involves preventable errors or unsafe conditions. Common causes include excessive speed, operator fatigue, impairment by drugs or alcohol, poor maintenance of rails or equipment, inadequate inspections, defective crossings, improper signaling, and hazardous materials mishandling. An experienced Philadelphia train accident attorney can investigate these factors by reviewing maintenance logs, black box data, employee records, safety reports, and witness statements. Proving negligence is essential for recovering compensation, and these cases often require substantial technical and legal resources.

  • Train companies typically attempt to limit their financial exposure by offering early settlements before victims understand the full extent of their injuries. These offers are almost always far lower than the true value of a claim. Once you sign an agreement, your right to pursue further compensation is permanently lost. Speaking with a knowledgeable train accident attorney before accepting any offer helps ensure you receive a settlement that accounts for medical expenses, lost income, long term care needs, emotional trauma, and other damages.

  • Depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the accident, victims may recover compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and long term care needs. Catastrophic injuries may significantly increase the value of a claim. Because train derailments often involve multiple victims and large transportation companies, identifying all possible sources of compensation is essential. A skilled attorney will work to ensure that every category of loss is properly documented and pursued.

Call Today For a 100% Free Initial Consultation With Philadelphia’s Premier Train Accident and Derailment Attorneys

At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our Philadelphia train accident attorneys are here to help you in your pursuit of justice against negligent train companies. Our accident attorneys are Pennsylvania’s toughest, with an unparalleled record of success. We are tough on large corporations and sensitive to your needs as you recover from the trauma of a train crash.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand
    "I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
    "He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
    "this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
    "He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany

the complete coverage advantage

  • Full-Spectrum
    Law

    From criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.

  • Values-Driven
    Practice

    From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.

  • Human-Centered
    Advocacy

    We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.

  • High-Caliber
    Results

    Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

Trial Lawyers Excelling in the Areas of Law Most Critical to You and Your Family
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