Train accidents are more common that you may have thought. National statistics show that accidents involving freight or passenger trains occur as often as twice an hour, and usually involve some kind of property damage. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, approximately 3,000 train accidents occur in an average year. Many times, accidents result in serious injury or death to passengers.
According to federal statistics, in 2014, railroad-related accidents numbered 2,287, with 269 fatalities and 849 injuries.
In recent news from earlier this year, a metro train collided with an SUV near Valhalla, NY, resulting in an explosion that killed six and injured 15 others. These types of stories crop up in the news all the time. While passenger and commuter trains are generally regarded as safe, as with any form of transportation, the risk of an unexpected accident is always present.
Common Causes of Accidents
Train accidents are caused by a variety of factors:
- Inadequately protected crossings
- Railway obstructions/ collisions with vehicles crossing tracks
- Mechanical and electrical failures
- Human error, including negligent conductor behaviors like driving while fatigued, distracted driving, speeding, or failing to properly apply brakes
- Train derailment
- Improper maintenance of train or tracks
If you have suffered injury in a train accident, or lost a loved one, it is urgent that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Determining liability in these types of accidents can be difficult; many different entities may be held responsible, and will attempt to deflect the blame onto others. Liable parties may include the company that owns and operates the train, their employees, manufacturers of parts and supplies, or any third party that may have contributed to the accident. Your attorneys can help you identify and hold accountable those who are responsible and can help you collect compensation for any medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, or other damages you may be facing.
Stern Law Group has helped over 40,000 accident victims get the compensation they deserve. To date, we have recovered over $800 million in verdicts and settlements for our personal injury and wrongful death clients. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to discuss how we may be able to help your case.
Call a lawyer at our firm today for more information.