Train accidents occur much more often than most people realize. Train accidents occur every 90 minutes in the United States. In the year 2001 there were 3023 train accidents in America alone. These train accidents resulted in 11,956 injuries and 971 deaths.

Additionally, also in 2001, there were 3237 highway train crossing accidents h automobiles and trains collided, creating dangers for people other than the passengers on the train. Most train accidents are not serious and involve no fatalities; therefore, the vast majority of train accidents do not receive media coverage. However, train accidents do cause deaths and occasionally hazardous material spills.

A train 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 train accidents are derailments, collisions with passenger vehicles, collisions with other trains or accidents due to mechanical failure.

Typically, it is the trains’ negligence or the operator's negligence that leads to these train accidents. A large number of train 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 train accident. Therefore, when a train accident has occurred an experienced train accident lawyer can determine if the business is liable.

Additionally, a train accident must be reported within thirty days, which makes the need to find a personal injury lawyer knowledgeable in train accidents as soon as possible after the train accident.

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

A train 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 train accident. If you, or a loved one, have been involved in a train accident in Kansas or Missouri, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation and case evaluation.

See Also:
Railroad Accidents