West Palm Beach Railroad & Train Accident Attorney

While railway use has been in serious decline over the last few centuries, crossings still mesh with roads and many railways are still used on a regular basis. Usually, trains slow down through high residential areas and railway crossing gates help warn drivers of an approaching train. While they are rare, collisions with trains are incredibly dangerous when they do happen. According to Operation Lifesaver Railroad Safety Education, a driver is over 50 times more likely to die in a collision involving a train than in a collision involving another motor vehicle. Many train accidents are the result of a driver unwittingly stopping on the tracks while waiting for a red light to turn. When the railway gates come down, they may have nowhere to go if they are up against the vehicle in front and the vehicle in back. In this scenario, the driver would be held liable for the collision. However, it is not always the fault of the driver.

West Palm Beach Railroad Crash Scenarios

At first thought, it may seem difficult to imagine a scenario where a collision was not the result of negligent driving on behalf of the occupant of the motor vehicle. Yet, there are many scenarios where the driver was not at fault. Train derailments can cause catastrophic damage and injuries to dozens of parties if the error occurs in a heavy road use area. Two trains colliding and derailing can cause an even worse chain of events. If there are objects on the tracks, such as another vehicle, that the train hits, that can cause injuries to bystanders and occupants many feet away from the actual tracks. Mechanical problems and conductor errors can also lead to crashes.

Black Box in Trains Similar to Those Used in Commercial Airlines

Most locomotives are required to carry a black box that records important information leading up to a crash. This information is vital in determining the cause of the collision. These black boxes, which are similar to those used in commercial jets, record the train’s direction, speed, and the use of the brakes and whistle/horn. Additionally, all train crossing signals, which are automatic, are monitored by dispatch centers. This information can help prove, or easily disprove, who was the cause of the crash: the train engineer, the train crossing signal, or the driver.

Train Fatalities and Injuries Declined Over the Past Few Decades

In 1981, there were 9,461 train and motor vehicle collisions, resulting in 3,293 injuries and 728 fatalities. By 2014, the number of collisions had significantly decreased to 2,291, with 857 injuries and 264 fatalities. However, in 2020, collisions dropped to 1,904, with 194 injuries and 705 fatalities, likely due to reduced rail activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite fluctuations, railroads remain a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to transport large quantities of goods, helping to reduce truck traffic, which is responsible for far more fatalities and injuries than railway accidents.

West Palm Beach Railroad and Train Accident Attorney

Railroad accidents are unfortunate, tragic incidents that can cause serious injuries to victims. If you or a loved one has been recently injured in a railroad accident, contact the reputable personal injury firm Pike & Lustig, LLP. You could be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. Read below for more information about railroad accident claims. Then, contact our firm to speak with a West Palm Beach railroad and train accident attorney.

What We Know as Drivers

Drivers are taught to travel safely over railroad crossings, learning important precautions such as how far to stay back from tracks and how to approach crossings. However, despite following these guidelines, railroad accidents can still happen. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were 2,200 vehicle-train collisions in 2019, resulting in 300 injuries and 800 fatalities.

Railroads play a vital role in transporting goods and passengers across Florida, with thousands of miles of track spanning the state. Given the vast network, the risk of collisions between trains, vehicles, and even pedestrians is ever-present. At unprotected crossings, pedestrians and vehicles are especially vulnerable to accidents. Children, in particular, may be at a heightened risk.

When a pedestrian, driver, or passenger is injured due to a railroad operator’s negligence or recklessness, they may be entitled to compensation. Railroad accidents often result in serious injury or even death, especially when proper safety measures are not taken to protect the public.

Damages for Railroad Accidents

The law allows railroad accident victims to seek compensation for damages sustained in the accident. Medical bills, lost wages, and property damages are commonly sought in these personal injury lawsuits. When a train conductor or railway operator ignores conditions hazardous to the public, and someone is injured as a result, the at-fault party may be held legally liable. However, it can be difficult to determine who the responsible party is. Because of this, railroad accident cases can be very complex. These personal injury suits require the expertise of an experienced attorney. West Palm Beach residents should contact a personal injury law firm with a reputation for success. If you live in West Palm Beach and are a railroad accident victim, contact the aggressive litigators at Pike & Lustig, LLP now.

Contact West Palm Beach Train Accident Attorneys Today

If you have been injured in a train accident, our West Palm Beach accident attorneys will assess your claim and explain your legal options to you. We have helped many personal injury victims, and we can help you now. When handling a personal injury suit, time is not on your side. Florida law can impose strict deadlines on such cases, so you need to call our experienced train accident attorneys right away. We will aggressively fight for you throughout the entire process. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP to learn more.