A collision with a Metro Transit light rail train is a terrifying and chaotic event. You may be told that the train always has the right of way, making you feel like you have no options.
This can leave you in a dire financial situation, facing mounting medical bills and lost wages with no clear path to recovery. But is it true? Is Metro Transit automatically free of all responsibility for a collision at an intersection?
The short answer is no.
Proving fault in a light rail collision
While trains do operate under a different set of rules than passenger cars, this does not give them a free pass to be negligent. All vehicle operators, including those for Metro Transit, have a duty to operate with reasonable care.
Proving liability in a train crash is complex, as it requires a detailed investigation to determine if negligence played a role. Key questions include:
- Did the train’s warning signals (horns, bells and lights) function properly?
- Were the intersection’s crossing arms and traffic signals working correctly?
- Was the train operator speeding or distracted?
- Was the operator’s view obstructed by something Metro Transit was responsible for maintaining?
Answering these questions often requires preserving evidence that can be difficult to obtain, such as operator logs, train data recorders and video footage from the train and intersection.
The challenge of suing a government entity
The most significant hurdle in these cases is often procedural. Because Metro Transit is a government-affiliated entity, you face a different set of rules than you would in a typical car accident claim.
Minnesota law imposes strict “notice of claim” requirements. This means you have a very short window of time, 180 days after the injury is discovered, to formally notify the government agency of your intent to seek damages. If you miss this narrow deadline, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit entirely, regardless of how clear the evidence is in your favor.
This complexity is why mass transit accidents are uniquely challenging. While nonprofit groups like Minnesota Operation Lifesaver work to promote rail crossing safety, accidents still happen. It is therefore crucial to understand your rights and the procedures involved after a light rail collision.