Railroad accidents occur much more often than most people realize. Railroad accidents occur every 90 minutes in the United States. In the year 2001 there were 3023 railroad accidents in America alone. These railroad accidents resulted in 11,956 injuries and 971 deaths. Additionally, also in 2001, there were 3237 highway railroad crossing accidents where automobiles and trains collided, creating dangers for people other than the passengers on the train.

Most railroad accidents are not serious and involve no fatalities; therefore, the vast majority of railroad accidents do not receive media coverage. However, railroad accidents do cause deaths and occasionally hazardous material spills. A railroad accident can be extremely dangerous because the trains cannot stay on the track in an upright position when colliding with another object.

The most common causes of railroad accidents are derailments, collisions with passenger vehicles, collisions with other trains or accidents due to mechanical failure. Typically, it is the railroads’ negligence or the operator's negligence that leads to these railroad accidents. A large number of railroad accidents are caused by violations in inspections and maintenance.

A train is considered a common carrier, which comes with a responsibility to safely transport the public by taking all precautions to avoid a railroad accident. Therefore, when a railroad accident has occurred an experienced railroad accident lawyer can determine if the business is liable. Additionally, a railroad accident must be reported within thirty days, which makes the need to find a personal injury lawyer knowledgeable in railroad accidents as soon as possible after the railroad accident.

Railroad companies will not always assume responsibility for a railroad accident, requiring the victim to consult a railroad accident lawyer in order to recover damages. A railroad accident lawyer will be able to determine liability for the railroad accident. Most people involved in railroad accidents are not familiar with the legal matters railroad accidents are associated with.

A railroad accident lawyer has the knowledge of this area of personal injury law and can help ensure that you receive compensation for damages caused by the railroad accident. If you, or a loved one, have been involved in any type of railroad accident in Kansas or Missouri, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation and case evaluation.

See Also:
Train Accidents