Train Accidents Overview - common causes and lawsuit info
When accidents involving trains occur, the results of these types of accidents are often catastrophic for both the train company and the train’s passengers. Many people are unaware of the frequency with which train accidents occur in the United States, and they would probably be surprised to know that accidents involving trains take place every 120 minutes in this country.
In 2007, there were approximately 13,000 train related accidents in the U.S. Reports indicate that 851 individuals were fatally injured and 8,801 individuals were non-fatally injured as a result of these accidents. Train accidents not only result in the injury or loss of human life but in the destruction of property as well. The consequences of train accidents can be profound, and in many cases these accidents could be avoided.
The two main sources of train accidents are: mechanical issues and human factors. Mechanical issues may arise due to deferred or reduced maintenance to either the tracks or the trains themselves. When inspection and maintenance standards and regulations are violated, train accidents with dangerous ramifications may result.
Human factors are also alluded to as catalysts for train accidents. One of the major problems cited by train workers is sleep deprivation or fatigue. Many of the errors committed by experienced train workers can be linked to fatigue. Other human factors that may be the cause of train accidents are health related problems (i.e. heart attack) or the abuse of illegal drugs or prescription medications.
The most commonly reported types of train accidents are:
- Derailments
- Collisions with passenger vehicles or pedestrians
- Collisions with other trains
- Accidents due to mechanical failure
While many of the train accidents that occur in the U.S. are not serious and no fatalities result from these accidents, the occurrences of train accidents are still unsettling to the public-at-large. Those that depend on trains as their main source of transportation need to know that trains are safe, well inspected, and that their lives will not be jeopardized by using this means of transportation.
Victims of train accidents should contact an experienced train accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Because victims will face lost wages and expensive medical bills, obtaining financial remuneration from those responsible for their injuries is imperative to the victim’s physical and financial health. Our law firm offers free consultations to victims of train accidents. We understand the difficult road that lies ahead, and we are dedicated to aggressively pursuing those responsible for your injuries. Contact our law firm today.
