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Railroad accidents can have devastating consequences, causing serious injury or even death. Although not as common as motor vehicle accidents, unfortunately, these accidents occur more frequently than people realize, affecting the lives of many families and, in some cases, entire communities.
Ehline Law and our railroad accident attorneys have over 15 years of experience working with injured passengers and their family members in building strong cases and pursuing the justice and compensation they deserve.
Our guide on “Railroad Accidents: Common Causes, Statistics, and Prevention” will take a closer look at the common causes of railroad accidents, examine some statistics related to these types of accidents, and explore some tips on how people can prevent getting into rail accidents.
Whether you are a railroad worker, commuter, or someone who lives near railroad tracks, understanding the causes of these accidents and how to prevent them can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
The Great Train Wreck of 1918 was among the worst train accidents in United States history. The incident occurred on July 9, 1918, in Nashville, Tennessee, and resulted in the deaths of at least 101 people, with many more injured.
The accident involved two passenger trains, the No. 4 on route to Memphis and the No. 1 headed for New York, both operated by the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway. The two trains collided while traveling on a track called a “Dutchman’s Curve” track west of downtown Nashville.
At approximately 7:20 a.m., the two trains collided head-on at around 50 miles per hour, leading to a train derailment with several wooden cars destroyed.
The accident site was chaotic, with passengers trapped in the wreckage and many injured or dying. Rescue crews rushed to the scene, and doctors and nurses from nearby hospitals and military installations came in to help.
According to the findings of the investigation carried out by the Interstate Commerce Commission, negligence and human error were the leading cause of the devastating railway accident. The crew in the No. 4 train made serious errors, and the interlocking tower operators did not account for the No. 1 train on the same track, which led to the railway accident. The tragedy profoundly impacted the nation, with many families mourning the loss of loved ones.
The Great Train Wreck of 1918 remains one of the deadliest train accidents in US history, and it prompted significant changes in safety regulations and protocols.
Although the overall number of train accidents has gone down over the past few decades due to improved safety measures, when train accidents happen, they can be devastating and result in serious injuries or fatalities. The railroad industry and the federal government must prioritize and enforce safety measures and follow all necessary precautions to prevent train derailments and accidents.
According to FRA, there are many different causes of train accidents in the United States, including the following:
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a train accident, it’s essential to receive medical treatment immediately before contacting an experienced personal injury attorney.
Determining liability in a train accident can be challenging as it depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. The following are some of the parties that may be liable for a train accident.
The train operator and crew members could be liable if their negligence or recklessness caused or contributed to the accident. Like any employer, a railroad is responsible for the actions and omissions of its employees.
Railroad companies could be liable if they failed to maintain the tracks, signals, or other equipment properly. They could also be responsible if a train accident occurred due to a lack of training or failure to supervise their employees properly.
When a defective product, such as a faulty braking system or railcar, leads to a train accident, the manufacturer could be liable for the damages.
If the train accident occurred at a railroad crossing or on government-owned tracks due to defective tracks, the government entity responsible for maintaining those tracks could be liable for the damages.
In some cases, the negligence of drivers or pedestrians who cross tracks illegally or fail to follow safety precautions can contribute to a train accident. If that happens, the injured victim may be able to pursue a personal injury case against the negligent party’s insurance company to recover compensation.
It’s important to note that determining liability in train accidents can be complex, and multiple parties could share responsibility for the incident. If you’re injured in a train accident, you should discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney, as they can help navigate the legal process and determine who may be liable for your injuries.
Here are some tips on how to prevent train accidents:
Following these tips and exercising caution around railroad tracks and crossings can help prevent train accidents and keep you safe.
There are many ways our experienced railroad accident attorneys can help you with your train accident claim after your railway accident, including the following:
By working with our award-winning personal injury attorney, we can protect your legal rights and aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you’ve suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a train accident, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation to discuss the case, as you may be able to seek compensation.
Michael Ehline
Michael Ehline is an inactive U.S. Marine and world famous legal historian. Michael helped draft the Cruise Ship Safety Act and has won some of the largest motorcycle accident settlements in U.S. History. Together with his legal team, Michael and the Ehline Law Firm collect damages on behalf of clients. We pride ourselves in being available to answer your most pressing and difficult questions 24/7. We are proud sponsors of the Paul Ehline Memorial Motorcycle Ride, and a a Service Disabled Veteran Operated Business. (SDVOB.) We are ready to fight.
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Downtown Los Angeles Office
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Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 596-9642
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