Every day, passenger trains transport millions of people across the country into and out of cities and across state lines. These passenger trains are operated by commuter lines as well as Amtrak. According to its website, Amtrak alone serves more than 500 destinations in 46 states with over 21,000 miles of routes. Unfortunately, train accidents on these carriers are all too common. Examples of such railroad accidents including include train derailments, trains hitting tractor-trailers or cars at crossings, trains hitting pedestrians, and collisions with other trains. At Doran & Murphy, PLLC, our railroad accident lawyers have represented injured railroad passengers as well as railroad workers for decades in claims and lawsuits against Amtrak as well as commuter trains. The law imposes certain legal obligations on common carriers such as railroads, which can vary from state to state. Choosing a seasoned personal injury lawyer experienced in railroad litigation is critical. Speak to an experienced train accident lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options to recover compensation.
Injured in a Train Accident? Contact a Lawyer from Doran & Murphy
Train accidents can be devastating. Don’t face one on your own. If you’ve been hurt due to the negligence of another, give a dedicated train accident lawyer from Doran & Murphy a call.
Common Causes of Train Accidents and Derailments
Railroad accidents are often the result of many causes, including human error and equipment failure. That is why, if you have been injured in such a way, having the benefit of a train accident attorney who is proficient in railroad accident laws can be invaluable and make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case. Freak accidents rarely occur where nothing could have been done to prevent an accident. Train injury lawyers often see that the cause of a railroad accident is one of the following:
Driver Negligence
Train racing has resulted in a significant number of fatalities and serious injuries. Train racing refers to the actions of motorists who attempt to cross a railroad crossing before an approaching train arrives. Such action is seriously dangerous, especially in view of the fact an optical illusion is often at play, in that trains can be much closer and moving faster than they appear.
Equipment Failure
Faulty equipment may contribute to or cause train accidents, including the following:
- Malfunction of brakes
- Malfunction of warning lights, sounds, and gates
- Faulty communication equipment
- Defective or broken handrails on locomotives or rail cars
- Defective hand brakes
- Defective or broken rails which can cause derailment
If you have been injured in an accident or derailment or have lost a loved one in such a collision, getting skilled legal counsel is imperative. Let a knowledgeable train injury lawyer help you seek compensation for damages.
Human Error
A train accident can result from conductor or engineer negligence. Examples of such negligence include being distracted by a cell phone or other workers, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, a worker who improperly switches tracks, workers who push train cars without following safety precautions or leaving cars in a position unsafe for other cars functioning on the same or an adjacent track. A dedicated railroad accident attorney could help determine the cause of an accident and help the injured person seek compensation for damages.
Seek Help From a Local Train Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a train collision, a knowledgeable attorney could help your case. An attorney with extensive experience in investigating the causes of these types of accidents and train derailments can help you seek the compensation you need. It is important to remember that the law does not make the railroad responsible for all injuries under all circumstances. Rather, the law requires that the railroads take reasonable actions to prevent injury and death.
Therefore, careful investigation must be done to examine whether any failure to use reasonable care on the part of the railroad occurred, such as any conductor negligence, engineer negligence, train defect, engine mechanical failure, or railroad track defects. Schedule a consultation with a local train accident lawyer. Reach out for help today.