Train Accident

Train Accident Lawyer

In 2021, the Federal Railroad Administration reported 6,688 overall railway accidents. This number includes 1,098 train accidents, 1,530 highway-rail incidents, and 4,040 "other incidents." In total, these railway accidents caused 644 fatalities and 4,195 injuries. Due to the size and speed of a typical train, any type of railroad accident can have devastating effects for a lot of people.

Train accident survivors are experiencing the worst circumstances of their lives. It's our firm's duty to not only offer aggressive representation, but to ensure our clients obtain the best care and largest recovery possible. The stakes are high: the money we win for our clients is oftentimes all they'll have to live on for the remainder of their lives. That's why we will not stop until we've reached the best result.

What Are Common Injuries from Train Accidents?

Train accidents can cause major injuries such as fractures (broken bones) requiring surgical repair, traumatic head injuries, various back & neck injuries, and in some cases wrongful death. A train accident lawyer will work to help you make a financial recovery for your injuries and losses. This would include pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of income, disfigurement, loss of normal life, as well as any other losses.

Types of Train Accidents that Causes Injuries

Train accidents happen in primarily two forms:

1. Accidents between trains
2. Collisions between trains and vehicles on the road

Accidents between trains typically get a lot of attention. This is because there is always the risk of a large number of injuries or deaths. Passenger trains regularly transport hundreds of passengers at a time. Therefore, a crash between two of these trains can put many people in danger, in addition to those who are not on the train but in the vicinity of a crash.

In crashes between trains, it can be hard to identify who is at fault or whether multiple mistakes caused the accident. For example:

• A conductor not stopping at a signal.
• A controller directing two trains on the same tracks at the same time.
• Switching issues that make it impossible for trains to take separate tracks, leading to two trains sharing a track at the same time.
• Singular train accidents, sometimes due to a problem in the train line itself. For example, the use of low quality materials during construction, like subpar steel. When inferior products are used, a train is at a greater risk for derailment, which places every passenger in harm's way.

Train Accidents Involving Vehicles

Trains can be involved in accidents with motor vehicles also.

These usually occur at crossings where trains and cars both use the same part of a road. These crossings are controlled by signals and several have gates that lower to stop vehicles from inadvertently driving into the path of a train. But not all of the crossings are well controlled, and those that are occasionally have malfunctions.

When this occurs, it is possible for a car to cross railroad tracks at the same time an approaching train will use the tracks, causing a collision between the train and vehicle. These crashes are very serious and generally lead to injuries or fatality to the passengers of the vehicle. The passengers on a train can be injured as well, especially if the train brakes hard to avoid the crash or derails after impact.

With dozens of players involved and hundreds of ways a train accident can happen, it is not unusual that these claims can be difficult.

Additionally, train workers have unique protections under the law. The Federal Employees Liability Act, commonly known as FELA, can provide an avenue for an injured worker to recover for any kind of railway-related damages. These employees might have a claim under the law in addition to a claim against an at-fault individual so that multiple claims may actually exist.

Contact an Experienced Train Accident Attorney

Train accidents often are serious and result in serious injury or death to dozens or even hundreds of passengers at a time. Further, those in cars that are hit by trains are at a high risk for physical injuries and damage after an impact. Regardless of whether you were a traveler in a train or in a vehicle, if you have been involved in an accident with a train, you might be entitled to a financial recovery for your injuries.

A personal injury attorney can help you understand whether you have a claim and what damages you may be able to recover, including payment for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and also any other costs you were forced to incur. With the facts of each accident and each injury differing from one another, it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer to receive advice specific to your case.

Dunk Law Firm has represented numerous clients in which their injuries were a result of a train accident. Our train accident attorneys are here to assist you. Our law firm has succeeded in settling a number of train accident claims; we are always here to fight for your rights and be sure that the liable individual's insurance provider pays you good compensation for your injuries.

Our practice concentrates on the rights of injured victims and those victims are the only individuals we represent. We only take on personal injury cases and we focus all of our time on defending the rights of those that are hurt at the hands of another. When you consult with the attorneys at Dunk Law Firm, you will have a dedicated legal team who will work relentlessly to get you the recovery you deserve.

‍