Railroads in the Las Vegas Area & Throughout Nevada
Nevada’s rail network is a critical part of its economy and tourism industry. Las Vegas itself may not have a major Amtrak station, but rail traffic—freight and passenger—runs through the surrounding areas every day.
Key Nevada railways include:
- Union Pacific Railroad: The largest freight railroad in Nevada, operating major lines that pass near Las Vegas, Henderson, and through the Mojave Desert.
- Brightline West (under construction): A proposed high-speed rail project that will eventually connect Las Vegas to Southern California.
- Nevada Northern Railway & Other Heritage Railroads: Tourist trains, including historic steam and diesel locomotives, operate in various parts of the state.
- RTC of Southern Nevada: Although not a traditional train system, the Regional Transportation Commission's transit services include planning for future rail integration, increasing rail traffic complexity around the Las Vegas metro area.
With heavy freight corridors crossing busy roads, expanding tourist services, and major construction projects like Brightline West underway, the risk of train accidents in Nevada continues to grow.
The Las Vegas Monorail
Running along the east side of the Las Vegas Strip from the SAHARA Las Vegas to the MGM Grand, the Las Vegas Monorail is a fast, convenient option for tourists and locals. This fully electric monorail system operates at high speeds on elevated tracks ranging from 30 feet to 60 feet above the ground, shuttling passengers between major casinos and event centers. During a 4-day convention, the Las Vegas Monorail may carry about 140,000 passengers.
Common Causes of Train Accidents in Nevada
Every train accident can usually be traced back to avoidable causes—whether it's maintenance failures, negligence, or dangerous conditions at crossings.
Shortly after 7 p.m. on January 8, 2025, a man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a train in North Las Vegas near I-15 and Lake Mead Boulevard. Also in January 2025, a pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by a Union Pacific train at the Sage Street crossing in Reno, Nevada. In October 2024, a man was injured after a train struck an unoccupied truck parked on the tracks near Sunset Road and Decatur Boulevard in Las Vegas.
Some of the most common causes of train and railway accidents include:
- Operator Error: Distracted, fatigued, or poorly trained operators can cause derailments and collisions.
- Track Defects: Worn-out or poorly maintained rails, switches, and crossings create hazards for trains and vehicles.
- Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, signal malfunctions, and other mechanical issues have catastrophic effects.
- Railroad Crossing Design: Poor visibility, lack of warning devices, or unsafe angles make a crossing deadly.
- Excessive Speed: Trains traveling faster than track conditions allow increase the risk of derailment and collisions.
- Hazardous Cargo: Many trains in Nevada transport hazardous materials. In the event of a derailment or collision, chemical spills, fires, and explosions can devastate entire communities.
Arnold & Itkin represented a young woman who was struck by a Union Pacific train. She suffered life-altering injuries, including the loss of her leg and brain damage, after the train operators saw her lying on the tracks but did not take the necessary steps to avoid hitting her. Our attorneys took the case to trial and won a $557 million verdict on her behalf.
Our Las Vegas train accident attorneys know how to uncover the truth behind these accidents. We move quickly to secure black box data, interview witnesses, and work with leading investigators to build a powerful case.
Types of Train Accidents We Handle
Train accidents can take many forms, each with its own dangers. No matter the type of accident, Arnold & Itkin fights to ensure injured workers, passengers, and families are not left to bear the burden alone.
We help after all types of train and railroad accidents in Nevada and nationwide:
- Railroad crossing accidents
- Train station accidents
- Injuries on train tracks
- Train derailments and collisions
- Hazardous material spills
- Train and railroad worker injuries
Injuries Commonly Seen in Train Accidents
Because of the speed, size, and force involved, train accident injuries are often catastrophic. Attempting to rebuild and move on can be extremely difficult, considering the financial and psychological effects that catastrophic injuries have on survivors and their families. The results are even worse for families struggling with a train-related wrongful death.
A train accident may cause such injuries as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe burns
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones and orthopedic trauma
At Arnold & Itkin, we work closely with medical experts and financial specialists to fully document the long-term impact of our clients' injuries—and to make sure their recoveries reflect what they’ll truly need to move forward.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Nevada Train Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be responsible for a train accident. Our Las Vegas train accident attorneys carefully investigate every angle to maximize your claim. Potentially liable parties can include railroad companies (like Union Pacific, Amtrak, etc.), train operators and crew, manufacturers, maintenance contractors, government entities responsible for crossings or transit systems, or other motorists or third-party contractors.
Determining who is responsible is key to getting the full compensation you deserve—and our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have the resources and experience to take on even the biggest corporations. When everything is on the line, we’re the firm other lawyers call when they need to win the toughest cases.
Call (888) 493-1629 or contact us online to speak with a Las Vegas train accident lawyer about your rights.