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Train accidents are not common like other transportation accidents. For this reason, people do not see them as the main threat. Undoubtedly, trains are common in the United States, especially trams, commuter trains, subways, etc. However, railroads are not frequently used according to the past. Sadly, train accidents happen sometimes and cause serious fatalities and injuries.

When a train accident happens, it may result in serious fatalities and injuries. If an accident happens, you can obtain compensation from the responsible individual or company. Undoubtedly, it is challenging to receive compensation. Nobody wants to accept responsibility for a disastrous accident.

Trains can kill almost one person every 100 minutes. Every year, nearly 1,000 people are injured in these accidents. Over half of the rail accidents occur at vulnerable crossings. Over 80 percent of crossings do not have sufficient warning devices, such as gates and lights. Vehicle occupants may collide with trains, and their frequency of death is 40 percent more than other incidents.

Causes of Railroad and Train Accidents

There are different reasons for train accidents. Most of the accidents take place at crossings when vehicles beat a train. When these accidents happen, they may involve the driver, passersby and passengers. Here are some common reasons for train accidents.

Human error

If a conductor is inexperienced, train accidents may happen easily. Even people who are working in the industry may make mistakes that prove harmful to other people. Fatigue is another problem with new and experienced conductors. They are unable to operate a train safely if they are exhausted. Unfortunately, they often do this because of pressure from the company and supervisor.

Negligence

Rail accidents often happen because of the negligence of different groups of people. Sometimes, a railway company will be at fault. One example of their negligence is when they operate a crossing arm incorrectly. Moreover, the operator forgets to turn the signal light on that must provide sufficient warning.

A common issue is the use of outdated and decades-old technology for trains and railways. Undoubtedly, better technology is available to improve safety. Railway departments often avoid these installations because it requires a hefty investment. 

Reckless Drivers and Pedestrians

Train accidents may not always be a fault of the company or train operator. In numerous cases, a distracted or reckless pedestrian may become the reason for the collision by crossing the tracks or standing on at the wrong time. Moreover, the driver of a motorcycle, truck or car may cause an accident by parking their vehicle on a track.

Speedy trains

Recklessly fast driving may increase the chances of deaths and serious injuries. Numerous train accidents showed that the quick train might worsen the consequences of a crash or accident.

Mechanical failure

The railway employees, train operators and company, may do everything within their capability to follow essential safety procedures. It does not finish the probability of a train accident. Defective parts and mechanical failure are more than common reasons for train collisions. Any mechanical failure may increase the chances of deadly accidents.

Derailments

A derailment means a train runs off the rail because of a collision with an object, error of a conductor, broken rails, defective wheels or mechanical failure. Remember, a derailment does not mean the train will leave the tracks. However, derailments may be catastrophic if it occurs when a train is moving at high speed.

Defective Tracks

Obstruction is an essential issue with tracks and may cause a derailment. Several foreign objects inadvertently left at the location where the train may pass will be deadly. Conductors must be aware of their surroundings to manage the dangerous situation safely and quickly. Sometimes, conductors fail to see obstacles to stop a collision.

Stalled Cars on a Track

Cars may not get stuck on railroad crossings. In general, drivers stall out while slowing down to cross different bumpy grades because of a poorly tuned engine. If it happens, you should try to start your car again instantly. Sometimes, you fail to start a car; therefore, ask for assistance to push your car off the track.

Vulnerable Railroad Crossings

Over 80 percent of railroad crossings lack sufficient warning devices, including gates and lights.  Several railroad accidents happen at unprotected intersections. Accidents at unprotected crossings may be caused by driver distraction, poor visibility, malfunctioning signals, wrong behavior of drivers, etc.

Suicides

Unfortunately, numerous people fail to take the stress of their lives and prefer to take their lives. People often killed themselves by striding in front of the train. This desperate and tragic act may endanger other people’s lives, such as bystanders, passengers, emergency responders, and train crews.

Liability of Train Accident

The train accident details should be evaluated thoroughly to determine proper compensation and fault. Rail companies are legally liable to manage the high safety level for all passengers. They should install a black box on locomotives that record information. Moreover, the railway is accountable for safety, and they might not live up to these things.

Several factors may be involved in different personal injury cases, such as severe or deadly train accidents. For this reason, it is essential to hire a lawyer that is knowledgeable in train accidents.

In train accidents, multiple parties may be responsible for suffering and pain, medical costs, income loss, and other costs. Responsible parties may include suppliers and manufacturers of defective parts, train employees and other parties contributing to a train accident.

If you want to file a lawsuit for a train accident, make sure to find a qualified attorney. At Colony Law, you will need a friendly lawyer. Their advice is necessary to make the best decision for your case. Fortunately, Colony Law has a proven track record for obtaining the best results for clients.

What to do if I want to file compensation for a train accident?

You will need a qualified attorney; therefore, call at 310-882-6336 to get a professional person from Colony Law. Our lawyers are committed, courageous and caring. Feel free to share the details of your train accident now for the best advice.

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