Suffered an Injury? Max can Help
Charleston Railroad Accident Attorney
Multiple Causes of Railroad Accidents in Charleston
Accidents on the train can result from railroad crossing accidents, train derailments, hazardous material accidents, and motor vehicle-train collisions. Negligence of a railroad employee, train company, equipment manufacturer, or governmental agency can all contribute to accidents and injuries.
Most railway accidents are avoidable. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTBS) reports that “The vast majority of these fatalities continue to be trespassers struck by trains.” Pedestrians and drivers don’t receive warning of an oncoming train when railway crossings are unprotected. This refers to crossings that lack signals or lights. It may be too late to avoid an accident by the time they are aware that train is approaching. Bystanders can die or sustain serious injuries at these crossings. It is rare to survive a collision with a train.
Other Common Causes
Hazardous material spills and train derailments can injure bystanders. Passengers may be injured during the process of disembarking or boarding a train. Additional common causes of railroad injuries include:
- Motor vehicle drivers who are negligent
- Poorly maintained tracks or trains
- Mechanical equipment failure
- Defective train safety equipment
- Defective or inadequate railway crossing safety equipment
- Unevenly loaded cargo
- Distracted pedestrians
- Misaligned tracks
- Defective wheels or other equipment
- Train speeding
- Breaks in the track
- Negligence or human error
Trains do not have safety devices for their passengers, yet trains travel at high rates of speed. With high speeds involved, even a seemingly minor accident can cause serious injury or even death.
If you were recently injured due to one of the above reasons, contact a Charleston train accident lawyer. They can help provide guidance and insight on your case.
FRA Investigates Railway Accidents
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) monitors train incidents every day of the year and around the clock. The primary focus of their investigations is on incidents that involve highway-rail grade crossing, railway equipment, and fatalities of contractors and employees. One can obtain the results of their investigatory findings via Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Whether FRA chooses to investigate the accident that caused your injuries, additional investigation will be necessary. The cause of the accident must be determined to find out who is liable for the incident and seek compensation. A Charleston railroad accident lawyer has the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate and uncover the truth.
You May Receive Compensation for Injuries
All parties injured in a train accident deserve compensation for their injuries. If you’re a passenger, employee, bystander, or family member you could be eligible to recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Railroad accident cases can be complicated matters that may involve government entities, train operators, and insurers. The Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC knows how to identify all possible defendants, preserve evidence, and locate witnesses for your case. Our Charleston railroad accident attorneys are fierce advocates for our clients. There may be strict time limits for filing your case, so it’s important to act fast to protect your rights. Call today to set up a free case evaluation.