For so many of us, getting on a train is a simple, everyday act of trust. We rely on them to carry us safely to work, to the city, or to visit family. You never expect that routine ride to end in an accident. Yet, when carelessness or a mechanical failure occurs, the results can be devastating. Even a seemingly minor incident can lead to serious, painful injuries like broken bones and whiplash, turning your life upside down in an instant.

The transit authorities and train companies that operate these lines make an unspoken promise to every single passenger: to get you to your destination safely. They have a profound responsibility to maintain their equipment and ensure their operators are alert and well-trained. When that promise is broken and you or someone you love is harmed, it is more than just an accident—it’s a violation of trust. Holding them accountable is not just about assigning blame; it’s about securing the justice and resources you need to heal.

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, our commitment to justice is personal. We understand the confusion and pain you’re feeling. Our Fort Lee train accident lawyer is here to lift the burden from your shoulders and help you get the compensation you need.

If a train accident has injured you or a loved one, please reach out. Let’s talk about how we can help. Your consultation is always free and confidential.

Why Choose Us for Your Fort Lee Train Accident Claim

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When you’re facing a powerful transit authority or a massive railroad corporation, it’s easy to feel like your voice won’t be heard. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, we make sure it is. We are defined by our courage, driven by justice, and inspired by clients just like you—our neighbors here in Fort Lee and the surrounding communities. We represent the person next door who has been unfairly injured, and we level the playing field so you can get the compensation you need to heal.

Choosing our firm means you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a dedicated team of over 30 professionals who will stand in your shoes. We take the time to learn about you, your family, your work, and how this accident has truly impacted your life. We believe your story is the most important part of your case.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • A Legacy of Results: With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys have secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients. We are recognized by our peers and organizations like Best Lawyers in America and Martindale-Hubbell for our skill, ethics, and unwavering commitment.
  • No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing upfront, and we only get paid attorney’s fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. We are in this together, from start to finish.
  • Unmatched Trial Experience: While many cases settle, the insurance companies know which firms are willing and able to go to trial. Our reputation as fierce and prepared trial lawyers gives you a powerful advantage during negotiations.

We understand the unique fabric of our Fort Lee community. We are here to ensure you have the support and skilled legal guidance you need to navigate this difficult time with confidence and dignity.

Types of Train Accidents We Handle

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There are a number of types and causes of train accidents, including:

  • Derailments
  • Collisions between a train and another train
  • Collisions between a train and a motor vehicle
  • Collisions at a railroad crossing
  • Falls (such as when someone is trapped underneath a train car)
  • Defective warning systems, such as defective signals or gates
  • Negligent operation, such as failure to sound the horn or use lights when approaching a crossing
  • Debris in the way of the tracks

Who May Be Held Liable in a Fort Lee Train Accident Lawsuit?

Train accidents are often complicated to sort through. There are multiple parties that could be at fault, and train operators must follow a number of laws, standards, and industry regulations.

Train accidents are also unique in that they can affect a wide range of people. A train accident can involve just one injured person, such as when someone falls off the platform and is run over, or it can affect hundreds of people, such as when a train full of people derails.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the liable party in a train accident case could be:

The best way to determine whether or not you have a claim—and who the claim should focus on—is to discuss your case with an experienced train accident lawyer in Fort Lee. The legal team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, including collecting witness statements, interviewing train operators and maintenance staff, and collecting medical records. The results of this investigation will determine who and what was responsible for the accident and who should be named in your personal injury suit.

The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?

After an accident, a call from an insurance adjuster might feel like a relief. They may sound friendly, express sympathy, and make a quick offer to cover some of your immediate expenses. It can be incredibly tempting to accept, especially when medical bills are piling up and you’re unable to work.

However, we strongly advise you to be cautious. You must remember that the insurance company is a business. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible. The first offer they make is almost never their best offer. It’s a calculated attempt to settle your claim quickly and cheaply before you understand its true value.

An early offer likely fails to account for the full scope of your losses, including:

  • Future Medical Treatment: What if your injury requires surgery, long-term physical therapy, or lifelong care? The initial offer won’t cover these future costs.
  • Long-Term Lost Income: The offer might cover a few weeks of missed pay, but what if you can no longer perform the same job or have to take a lower-paying position due to your injuries?
  • Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life you’ve experienced have real value under the law. Insurance companies are notorious for downplaying or ignoring these non-economic damages.

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you give up your right to seek any further compensation for this accident, forever. If your condition worsens or new medical problems arise, you cannot go back and ask for more.

Before you speak to an adjuster or sign any paperwork, please talk to us. We can help you understand what your case is truly worth and will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. Our job is to protect you from lowball offers and fight for a settlement that fully and fairly compensates you for everything you have lost.

Compensation Available in a Fort Lee Train Accident Lawsuit

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No amount of money can erase the trauma of an accident or give you back the life you had before you were injured. However, securing fair compensation is a critical part of justice. It provides the financial resources you and your family need to pay your bills, access the best possible medical care, and achieve a sense of stability as you focus on your recovery.

In a New Jersey train accident claim, you can seek compensation for a variety of damages, including:

  • All Medical Expenses: This covers everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, and rehabilitation costs. It also includes the estimated cost of any future medical care you will need.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you have already lost because you were unable to work.
  • Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn a living in the future, you can be compensated for this diminished capacity.
  • Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or any other personal property damaged in the accident.
  • Out-of-Pocket Costs: Any other related expenses, such as the cost of transportation to medical appointments or necessary home modifications.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress you have endured and will continue to endure.
  • Mental Anguish: This can include compensation for conditions like anxiety, depression, fear, shock, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident.
  • Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for the emotional impact of permanent scarring or other physical disfigurements.
  • Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the uninjured spouse of a victim may file a claim for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy caused by their partner’s injuries.

Our team works with medical experts, financial planners, and vocational specialists to build a comprehensive picture of your total damages. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the maximum compensation you are owed.

Fort Lee Train Accident Claims FAQs

It’s natural to have many questions after a traumatic event. Here are answers to some of the common concerns we hear from our clients.

What should I do in the days and weeks after a train accident?

Your health is the top priority, so continue to follow all your doctor’s recommendations for treatment. It’s also important to start gathering information. Try to write down everything you remember about the accident itself. Keep a simple journal of your daily pain levels and how your injuries are affecting your life. Hold on to all receipts, medical bills, and any correspondence from the transit authority or insurance companies. Most importantly, do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster or sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first.

How long do I have to file a train accident lawsuit in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. However, this deadline can be much shorter. If your claim is against a public entity like NJ Transit or the Port Authority (which operates the PATH train), you must file a formal Notice of Claim within just 90 days of the accident. Missing this critical deadline can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation. This is why it is absolutely vital to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

I was a passenger on the train. Can I still file a lawsuit?

Yes. You have the right to seek compensation whether you were a passenger on the train, a pedestrian struck at a crossing, a driver or passenger in a vehicle hit by a train, or a railroad employee injured on the job. The duty of care owed by the railroad company extends to anyone who could be foreseeably harmed by their negligence. We represent all victims of train accidents, no matter how they were injured.

Contact Our Trusted Fort Lee Train Accident Lawyers Today

You have been through enough. You don’t have to face the legal battle ahead on your own. Let our team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi carry the weight for you, so you can focus all of your energy on what matters most: your health and your family.

When you choose us, we will immediately get to work on your behalf. We will:

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Michael Maggiano, Fort Lee Train Accident Lawyer
  • Conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation into the cause of the accident.
  • Handle all paperwork and communications with the railroad company and their insurers.
  • Work with leading experts to accurately calculate the full value of your past, present, and future damages.
  • Protect you from an insurer’s tactics and aggressively negotiate for a full and fair settlement.
  • Prepare your case for trial and fight for you in court if a just settlement cannot be reached.

We stand in your shoes. We are in this together. Justice is our driving force, and you are our inspiration.

Contact us today at (201) 585-9111 or through our online form for a free consultation. We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the courageous advocacy you deserve.


Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. – Fort Lee Office

201 Columbia Ave,

Fort Lee, NJ 07024, United States

Ph: (201) 425-1274