Scottsdale Train Accident Lawyer

Train on train tracks

Contact a Train Accident Lawyer to Learn About Filing an Injury Claim After a Train Crash

The railroad system in the United States is an efficient form of moving people and goods across the country. Railroads run north to south and east to west connecting every part of the country. However, a train crash or other accident can cause a person to be injured. When injuries occur because of or on a train, accident victims can contact an Arizona train accident lawyer to discuss filing an injury claim to recover compensation for injuries.

Train Accident Victims

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were 11,525 total accidents involving trains during 2017 resulting in 871 fatalities and 8,488 injuries. During that same year, there were 1,625 train accidents, including collisions, derailments, track-related, equipment-related, and other cause.
People who are injured and killed in accidents and incidents involving trains include:

  • Passengers on the train
  • Drivers and occupants in other vehicles
  • Pedestrians, bicyclists, and bystanders
  • Railroad workers
  • Workers in stations and loading facilities
  • Mechanics and maintenance personnel

When a person is injured, that person may have a personal injury claim against one or more parties. A lawyer should evaluate the accident to determine the cause of the incident and which parties are liable for the person’s injuries. Likewise, if a person dies because of a train accident or incident, a wrongful death lawyer should evaluate the cause of death to determine if the family should file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Common Causes of Arizona Train Accidents

Train crashes involving commuter trains and freight trains occur for several reasons. The cause of the crash typically determines the parties named in an action to recover damages. Causes of incidents and accidents involving trains include:

Railroad Crossing Accidents

Accidents at railroad crossings can cause catastrophic injuries to passengers, conductors, bystanders, and others. The reasons for railroad crossing accidents vary and include:

  • Objects or vehicles straddling the track
  • Defective railroad crossing signals, including lights, rails, and sounds
  • Trains failing to use lights and horns to warn
  • Train crossings that are obstructed by trees, plants, etc.
  • Objects protruding from the train
  • Other trains parked too closely to a crossing

Derailments

Train derailments can cause hundreds of people to be injured or killed in one accident. Derailments occur for a variety of reasons including:

  • Trains going faster than posted limits
  • Defective tracks or train parts
  • Obstacles on the tracks
  • Too much weight or cargo on the train
  • Human errors

Other Causes of Train Accidents

In addition to derailments and crossing accidents, there are many other reasons why a train accident might occur including:

  • Maintenance errors and lack of maintenance
  • Improper operation
  • Excessive speed
  • Defective parts
  • Colliding with objects on the track
  • Mechanical failure
  • Poorly lit tracks or poorly maintained tracks
  • Conductor error (i.e. intoxication, fatigue, inexperience, etc.)

Why Consult a Train Accident Attorney?

Accidents involving trains are very complex injury cases. In addition to dealing with extremely large corporations, various government entities may also be involved in the case. In some cases, the deadlines to file claims and lawsuits may be shorter when a government agency is involved. Taking on a railroad company can be difficult, but with an experienced attorney who understands the regulation and laws governing railroads, it is possible to fight and win.
Call the law firm of Amar Esq. PLLC at 480-802-8232 to schedule a free consultation.