Pacoima, California – A pedestrian was killed Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a Metrolink train in Pacoima, authorities said.
Los Angeles Fire Department crews were dispatched shortly before 4 p.m. to the 9700 block of North San Fernando Road for a reported rescue operation. When they arrived, firefighters found a pedestrian who had been hit by a Metrolink train. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
It remains unclear how the victim ended up in the train’s path, and no other injuries were reported, according to LAFD officials.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the fatal incident under case number 3193. The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of relatives.
Fatal Metrolink Accidents: What Compensation Are You Entitled To?
When a fatal Metrolink collision occurs, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover the financial and emotional losses caused by the accident. These cases often involve multiple parties—Metrolink, train operators, contractors, and sometimes negligent third parties—making it essential to work with a skilled legal team such as a wrongful death attorney california.
Compensation Available in a Fatal Metrolink Accident Claim
Families may be entitled to recover damages such as:
Economic Damages
These reflect the measurable financial losses caused by the death, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the victim’s financial support (income, benefits, and future earnings)
- Loss of household services
- Medical bills incurred before the victim’s passing
Because train accidents often involve severe impact forces, victims are sometimes pedestrians. When this happens, a claim may also involve the expertise of a pedestrian accident lawyer california to establish liability and damages.
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate surviving family members for the emotional and relational impact of the loss:
- Loss of companionship, love, and support
- Emotional suffering and mental anguish
- Loss of guidance and care for children
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California law, a fatal Metrolink accident claim can typically be filed by:
- The victim’s spouse or domestic partner
- Children
- Parents, if no spouse or children exist
- Other dependents in some cases
Because fatal train collisions often involve complex investigations, working with a seasoned legal team is crucial. Megeredchian Law is a highly experienced car accident law firm that also handles catastrophic transportation cases, including Metrolink and train-related fatalities.
Is a Train Accident Handled Like a Car Accident?
While the mechanism is different, the legal principles—negligence, liability, and damages—overlap with motor vehicle cases. That’s why many families rely on attorneys with extensive experience in catastrophic transportation claims, such as a los angeles car accident attorney, to help navigate the process.
Get Legal Help After a Fatal Metrolink Accident
Megeredchian Law has the expertise and resources to investigate train collisions, determine who is liable, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Speak with a dedicated wrongful death team today by calling (866) 359-0807 for a free, confidential consultation.