Common Causes of Train Accidents

Learn About Common Causes of Railway Accidents from Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers

Accidents in the railway industry are much more common than many people realize. Crashes, collisions, and other accidents involving passenger trains, commuter trains, and freight trains occur regularly—and they often have devastating consequences. Passengers, railroad company employees, pedestrians, car occupants, and other individuals frequently suffer serious injuries; and, tragically, these injuries prove fatal in some cases.

7 Common Causes of Train Crashes and Collisions

The following are seven examples of the most common causes of train accidents resulting in severe injuries and fatalities:

Train Derailments

Train derailments can result from excessive speed, excessive weight, broken rails on train tracks, and various other factors. These are serious accidents that often result in numerous injuries.

If you have a claim related to a train derailment, we can use our experience to seek justice on your behalf. We can fight to make sure the railroad’s insurance company handles your claim appropriately, and we can take the railroad’s insurance company to court if necessary.

Hazards on Railroad Tracks

Hazards on railroad tracks can also cause train derailments, and all types of hazards can present severe risks for moving trains. While downed trees and other debris are among the most common types of hazards on railroad tracks, various other hazards can present severe risks as well. If a collision with a hazard could—and should—have been avoided, the railroad company may be fully liable for any victims’ injuries.

Cargo Overloading on Freight Trains

Cargo overloading can increase the risk of derailments and other accidents while also significantly increasing a train’s stopping distance. When cargo overloading leads to a train accident that could—and should—have been avoided, the company that loaded the train’s cargo may be liable for creating unnecessary danger.

Faulty Signal Systems at Railroad Crossings

Faulty signal systems at railroad crossings are frequently to blame for truck accidents and other vehicle collisions involving locomotives. While operators will be to blame for signal system faults in some cases, equipment failures and defects in automated systems will often be to blame as well.

Failure to Conduct Regular Inspections or Take Other Necessary Safety Measures

Like other transportation companies, railroad companies have a legal duty to conduct regular inspections in order to identify hazards before they lead to serious injuries or loss of life.  Railroad companies must take various other safety measures to prevent accidents as well. When railroad companies fail to take these steps, this can provide clear grounds to pursue a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim as well.

Inclement Weather

Inclement weather plays a role in train accidents in some cases. When inclement weather is a factor, it is important not to assume that this was the only factor involved. If a mechanical failure, operator negligence, or any other issue also played a role in a weather-related train accident, victims and their families may still be able to pursue claims for financial compensation.

Human Error

From failing to maintain a safe speed to overlooking accident risks during regular inspections, numerous forms of human error can—and do—lead to serious and fatal train accidents. Generally speaking, employers can be held liable for their employees’ negligence on the job. As a result, if your (or your loved one’s) train accident was the result of human error, an experienced injury lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation for the costs of your (or your loved one’s) medical care as well as various other out-of-pocket costs, lost earnings, and non-financial losses.

We Represent Victims After All Common Types (and Not So Common Types) of Train Accidents

We handle personal injury claims and wrongful death claims involving all common causes of train accidents. If you believe you may be entitled to seek compensation for a serious or fatal train accident (or don’t know and want to find out), we strongly encourage you to get in touch. Our lawyers are available to provide legal assistance including:

• Conducting a thorough investigation to identify the cause of your (or your loved one’s) railroad accident
• Identifying the responsible party (or parties)
• Calculating the losses you are entitled to recover based on your individual circumstances
• Filing all available claims and negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf
• Helping you make an informed decision about settlement and going to court if necessary

We provide these legal services (among others) on a contingency-fee basis. This means that our lawyers will fight to recover just compensation on your behalf at no out-of-pocket cost to you. If you are thinking about seeking legal assistance, we strongly encourage you to schedule a free consultation today.

Schedule a Free Train Accident Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer at Oberheiden Law Group

To schedule a free train accident consultation with a personal injury lawyer at Oberheiden Law Group, call 866-781-9539 or contact us online. We will arrange for you to speak with one of our senior lawyers in confidence as soon as possible.

Further Information About Our Train Accident Lawyer Services

• Train Accident Lawyers
• Injuries Suffered in Train Accidents: What You Need to Know
• Train Accident Lawsuits: Your Rights as a Passenger or Worker
• Can You Sue a Railroad Company After an Accident?
• Train Crossing Accidents: When Drivers and Pedestrians Are Hurt
• Wrongful Death Claims After Train Accidents

Disclaimer:
The content on this site is informational only and describes mere allegations. The content does not suggest evidence, proof, or guaranteed liability. The merits of each case depend on specific facts. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases. For more details, please see our FTC and general disclaimers. Oberheiden Law is the law firm in charge.