According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there are an estimated 3,000 train accidents per year in the US. In addition to the severe injury and hazardous spills they cause, one third of these catastrophes result in passenger death.
These statistics are troubling, but not entirely surprising. This is because the railroad industry is not highly regulated by the government and it still relies on technology that was developed over 70 years ago.
Railroad injury and accidents frequently happen when a train:
- Collides with another train
- Has insufficient or defective safety appliances
- Collides with a passenger vehicle on the tracks, or
- Becomes derailed
These accidents can be caused by any of the following:
- Improperly maintained tracks
- Mechanical failure
- Conductor inexperience and fatigue
- Negligence of other passenger vehicle drivers at railroad crossings
- Insufficient or defective railroad crossing signals and safety gates
- Excessive speed
In order to prove fault in a railroad accident, a qualified railroad injury attorney must prove that the responsible party acted negligently, is liable under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), or that the equipment was unsafe. Read more about railroad accident cases in our frequently asked questions section.
If you or a family member has been involved in a railroad accident, you may be entitled to monetary damages to reimburse you for medical bills related to your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options and rights.