TRAIN ACCIDENTS - A Qualified Train Accident Attorney Can Help Railway Accident Victims.
Railroad companies operate freight, passenger and commuter trains, and although railway safety is improving, deadly accidents frequently occur.
The Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Safety Analysis lists over 300 causes for more than 8,000 accidents between 2006 and 2008. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Defective or missing crossties
- Switch improperly lined
- Track alignment irregular
- Fissures
- Switch point worn or broken
- Failure to comply with restricted speed
Human error or equipment failure can produce a catastrophic event. The Federal Highway Administration tracks railroad crossing fatalities, injuries and accidents. They report that in 2007, there were 299 deaths and 817 injuries at rail crossings on public highways. There are approximately 140,000 railroad crossings in the United States, and more than 65,000 of them do not have gates, flashing lights, traffic signals or bells. From railway crossing accidents to train-against-train collisions to train impacts with people and vehicles, an expert train accident lawyer understands how to address these difficult issues and navigate federal and state laws that regulate railway commerce.
Victims of train accidents include civilians and railroad employees who are injured on the job. Injuries can be severe and may include:
- Head trauma
- Burns and abrasions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Internal injuries or soft tissue displacement
- Loss of senses or limbs
FELA (the Federal Employers Liability Act) provides a course of action for railway workers injured on the job when the cause is employer or co-worker negligence. But FELA laws are complex. A qualified train accident attorney understands these laws and can take effective action on your behalf.
Whether you have been injured as a result of employment by a rail company or because of an incident at a rail crossing or other railroad property, or as a train passenger, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Loss of earnings
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages for defective equipment or company negligence
- Loss of companionship, support or quality of life
After an accident, it is important to protect yourself from further harm by following these guidelines:
- Seek legal representation immediately and follow your attorney’s advice.
- Do not sign anything without legal representation.
- Seek medical assistance immediately even if symptoms aren’t readily apparent. Some injuries take days or even weeks to present symptoms.
- Keep records.
An injured victim is in danger of waiving all legal rights if he or she disregards the above guidelines.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, or a loved one has been lost, complete our free evaluation form and a knowledgeable, experienced attorney will contact you. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can initiate procedures to safeguard your rights and facilitate the recovery you deserve.
Keywords: Train Crash | Railroad Accident Lawyer | Train Wreck | Wrongful Death Attorney
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