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Train accidents can lead to catastrophic injury, or even death. A train accident may occur for many reasons. For example, a train may collide with another train, a passenger vehicle, or even a pedestrian. If you have been injured by a train, it is important to know what to do immediately following the accident.
Our train accident attorneys are here to answer any questions you may have about your train accident lawsuit. Call (800) 863-5312 to speak with a Zinda Law Group attorney today for a free consultation. We may help you seek the maximum compensation available in your case.
TRAIN ACCIDENT STATISTICS
The average locomotive weighs approximately 200 tons, but they can weigh up to 6,000 tons. This makes getting into an accident with a train all the more dangerous. Due to their size, trains take longer to slow down than the average vehicle. Do not expect a train to stop in time to avoid an accident.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were 8,835 total accidents or incidents involving railroads in 2019 nationwide. Of those accidents, there were 1,530 accidents involving a train. Within the accidents involving trains, there were:
- 4 fatalities
- 87 collisions
- 1,026 derailments
- 607 caused by human factors
- 217 caused by equipment factors.
Train accidents are not uncommon. It is important to always stay vigilant while driving and always obey signage near train tracks. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a train accident, call Zinda Law Group as soon as possible to begin your train accident lawsuit. We may help explain the legal process and work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER BEING INJURED IN A TRAIN ACCIDENT?
The first question you may have is what to do after a train accident.
Getting into a train accident can be a traumatizing event. If you have been injured in a train accident, it is important that you know what to do immediately following the wreck. Following these steps may help your physical safety, as well as help to provide useful evidence to aid in your truck accident lawsuit.
Get Medical Attention
The first thing you should do is seek medical attention. After a train accident, you may be suffering from serious injury. These injuries may include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Trauma
- Burns
- Brain or spinal cord injury
- Joint or muscle pain
No matter how minor you believe your injuries are, you should always seek medical attention from a professional. Remember, your adrenaline may be masking a more serious injury.
Further, a medical professional may be able to find injuries you were unaware of. This may aid in your train accident lawsuit, as you may be able to receive more compensation for your injuries.
Save Evidence
After a train accident, it is important to save all of the evidence, no matter how irrelevant you think it is. Always document the scene and take pictures of any injuries or property damage. You should also write down every detail of the accident, including how it happened and what happened afterward. Your memory will start to fade quickly, so it is important to write down everything you can remember as soon as possible.
You should also get and maintain certain important documents, such as:
- The name and contact information of the train operator
- The name and contact information of the train and railroad company
- A copy of the official police report
- Names and contact information of any witnesses.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After you have sought medical attention, you should contact your insurance company and inform them of the accident. Your insurance company will likely ask you about the accident and commence its own investigation before determining if you are covered under your policy. Further, some insurance companies require the named insured to notify the insurance company before they will provide any kind of compensation.
Hire a Lawyer
Not all train accident victims will know how to negotiate with insurance companies, how to file a lawsuit, or how to determine the at-fault party. Hiring a train accident lawyer may guide you through the legal process, negotiate on your behalf, and help you recover the maximum amount of compensation available for your medical bills, property damage, pharmaceutical bills, and more.
Zinda Law Group may help you in the event of a train accident injury. Our firm has helped individuals negotiate with insurance companies and have the experience necessary to fight for you in court if a settlement cannot be made.
Learn More: Why Hiring a Lawyer Will Help Your Case
WHO IS LIABLE FOR A TRAIN ACCIDENT?
Many different people or entities may be liable for a train accident. Hiring a train accident attorney may help you determine who is at fault in your case. Below are examples of who may be liable for your train accident and resulting injuries or property damage.
Train Company
The train company itself may be liable for your injuries. For example, a train requires proper maintenance and regular inspections. If the train company fails to regularly maintain the train, they could be liable for your injuries. Further, if a train company knows, or should know, that the train is faulty in some way, they may be liable for any accidents resulting from the faulty locomotive.
Track Owner
The owner of the train track may also be liable for the accident. For example, if the track owner failed to install certain safety technology, or was otherwise negligent in maintaining the track, the owner may be liable for your injuries and property damage.
Train Manufacturer
Due to their size and speed, it is important for a train to have working machinery. If a train manufacturer negligently developed faulty parts, and that negligence resulted in an accident, the manufacturer may be liable for any resulting injury.
Motor Vehicle Driver
In certain situations, the motor vehicle driver is at fault for the accident. This could happen for many reasons. For example, the passenger vehicle driver could be distracted, fail to observe signage, or could be stopped on train tracks. It is always important to pay attention to railroad signs and never stop on the tracks.
HOW DRIVERS CAN STAY SAFE
There are many precautions a motor vehicle driver can take to stay safe around railroad tracks. Some examples of easy things you can do to stay safer around train tracks are:
Pay Attention to Signage
First, always pay attention to railway signage. You may miss a sign if you are distracted, so never text or play on your phone while driving. Always obey all warning signs and signals posted around train tracks.
Look Both Ways Before Crossing
Trains have become quieter than ever, so do not rely on a loud sound to alert you that a train is coming. Always look both ways before crossing train tracks, no matter if you see flashing lights or other signals or not. Further, you should only cross train tracks at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
Do Not Stop on Train Tracks
A train can weigh up to 6,000 tons. This means that it takes longer for a train to stop than a typical passenger vehicle. In fact, if a train is traveling at 55 miles per hour, it would take that train more than a mile to stop. It is therefore extremely important to never stop on train tracks.
WHAT IF MY CAR STALLS?
You should be aware of what to do in case your car stalls while on train tracks. Follow these relatively easy steps so that you can stay safe:
- 1. Be mindful that trains cannot stop easily. A train will not be able to stop quickly enough to prevent a collision.
- 2. Leave all of your possessions in the car. Do not try and gather all of your things before exiting the vehicle.
- 3. Get everyone out of the car and immediately off the train tracks. Your safety, and the safety of all of your passengers, is the top priority.
- 4. Run toward the direction of the oncoming train. Make sure you are off to the side to avoid any potential debris flying as a result of the accident.
CONTACT ZINDA LAW GROUP’S TRAIN ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
Getting into an accident with a truck can lead to serious injuries and a complicated legal process. An experienced lawyer may help you investigate the case, determine who is at fault, collect evidence, and much more. Zinda Law Group’s train accident injury lawyers may help guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Contact our experienced train accident attorneys at Zinda Law Group today. Call (800) 863-5312 as soon as possible to schedule your 100% free consultation. You do not pay a thing unless we win your case. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
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