Collisions involving trains nearly always result in serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries due to the force of the impact. Trains with 150 freight cars take over a mile to stop when traveling at 50 mph, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. The weight and speed of a train create a force of impact that is severe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that an individual is 20 times more likely to die in an accident with a train compared to any other vehicle. Train crashes in the news tend to be dramatic events in which two trains collide or several cars derail, potentially spilling hazardous materials and injuring numerous passengers. However, there are thousands of train accidents each year, many of which go largely unnoticed by the public.
Train accidents take many forms, including:
- A collision between two trains
- A train derailing
- A train-motor vehicle collision
- A pedestrian being struck by a train
The victims of train accident may include:
- Passengers on the train
- Drivers or passengers of a motor vehicle
- Passengers disembarking from or waiting to board a train
- Bystanders
Many train accidents are not caused by mechanical failure but instead by the neglect and carelessness of conductors and engineers. Failing to pay attention to track signals can cause two engines to collide into one another. Ignoring posted speed limits may cause a passenger train to careen and tumble on sharp turns. No matter the true cause of a train accidents, the people who suffer injuries due to them should always be given appropriate compensation. An attorney, like a personal injury attorney Atlanta GA counts on, can assist you in determining the party at fault, the compensation available, and any additional information you are seeking in an attempt to remedy any inconvenience thrust upon you due to no fault of your own.
While train accidents are unforeseen, much is to be done when it comes to ensuring the safety of the passengers. In the event you or someone you know has been injured due to the negligence of a train conductor or mechanical failure, you should reach out to an attorney. By reaching out to an attorney you will have someone who can articulate your rights, clarify the negligent party, and confirm any possible financial compensation due to you. Please reach contact an attorney in your area to find out what the next step is in being made whole following the accident.
Thanks to contributor Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into train accidents and personal injury cases.