Train Accident Hot Topics

Railroad Crossing Accident

Approximately every 90 minutes a highway-rail grade crossing accident occurs in the United States alone. This almost sounds implausible, however, vehicle-train accidents are 40 times more likely to happen than any other type of highway collision.

Over the recent years grade crossing accidents have caused thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities. Unfortunately, railroad crossing accidents often involve children under the age 16. It is therefore hard to believe that approximately 80 percent of all railroad crossings lack safety lights and gates.

Have you been injured in a railroad crossing accident?  If so, conact a railroad crossing accident attorney in your area today! With the help of an experienced train accident attorney, you will be able to recover the compensation you are entitled to.

Causes of Grade Crossing Accidents

Railroad accidents happen for various reasons and affect passengers, railroad workers, as well as civilians crossing the railroads. The National Transportation Safety Board identified the following as the main causes of grade crossing accidents:

• Obstructed crossing because of vegetation or other objects
• Limited sight distance for vehicle operators or the train
• Trains approaching crossings without lights on and horn sounding
• Unsafe locomotive cab protruding metal or structural parts, weak steel parts, lack of full body protection, poor seats or seats with protruding steel on support brackets

Sharing Responsibilities

The Train Crew

The first and foremost priority of a train crew should be to provide due and timely warnings whenever a train is approaching a railroad. By federal law, locomotives must be equipped with headlights and horns, which are both required to meet the minimum brightness and loudness standards. As far as one-quarter mile away from the crossing, the light must be set on the brightest setting and the engine bell must ring continuously until the train has passed the crossing.

Have you been injured in a railroad crossing accident?  If so, conact a railroad crossing accident lawyer in your area today! With the help of an experienced train accident lawyer, you will be able to recover the compensation you are entitled to.

The Motorist

Every motorist approaching a grade crossing has the duty to look out for oncoming trains. In the event that train is visible and clearly approaching the railroads, the motorist must come to a complete stop no less than 15 feet away from the nearest rail. Crossbucks are considered to be a yield-right-of-way sign and have therefore the same implications than a regular stop sign.

Railroads are self regulated and, like most, operated under a tight budget. Sometimes, overworked or untrained employees work with outdated and faulty equipment. Instead of putting money into the repair of tracks or new technology, the four biggest railroad companies continue to make profits, even though many accidents could be prevented.

If you or a loved one have been injured due to a train accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention in order to monitor and/or adequately treat your injuries. At the same time, we advise to speak to one of our train accident attorneys to ensure your legal rights and to handle the claim within an effective time manner.

If you have any questions regarding a grade crossing accident or legal representation for your case, feel free to contact one of our train accident lawyers in your area today!