Accidents involving trains can be devastating for victims and their families. Since trains are so large and heavy, it’s common for railway accidents to be deadly, even when trains are travelling at relatively low speeds. Trains can’t stop on a dime, and if crossing arms or lights are malfunctioning, drivers, pedestrians and railway workers are put in great danger. Most railway accidents are preventable too, so it’s important to make sure a thorough and in depth investigation is conducted after a collision to determine the exact cause. Whether a pedestrian has been struck or a railway worker has been injured, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney who has railway accident experience.
Just the Facts on Railway Crashes
- Each year, nearly 2,000 people are killed or injured at highway-railroad crossings.
- In the U.S., every 115 minutes, a person is struck by a train.
- Most collisions with automobiles happen when trains are going less than 35 miles per hour.
- Texas has more railroad-vehicle intersections than any other state.
- In the three years prior to 2012, there were 822 railroad-crossing incidents.
- Texas accounted for almost 10 percent of all railroad crossing accidents across the country.
Railroad Workers, Pedestrians and Motorists
Railway accident can happen to anybody. From railway workers and pedestrians to passenger vehicle occupants and motorcyclists, if crossing arms and lights are malfunctioning, everybody is in danger. Victims and their families may be dealing with expensive medical bills, lost wages and lengthy periods of recovery. When train accidents are fatal, surviving loved ones are often faced with funeral expenses, a loss of future income and a loss of companionship.
After a Train Accident
After an accident involving a train, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The railway company will likely be conducting their own internal investigation, so it’s important to make sure that other official agencies are also investigating the matter. Railway investigations may be conducted on the local, state and federal level. Determining the cause of a wreck needs to be a top priority for investigators, so similar incidents can be prevented in the future. The skilled team at the Altman Legal Group can stay abreast of official investigative developments and help get you the compensation you deserve after a train accident. We have handled personal injury cases in Wichita Falls, Sheppard Air Force Base, Graham, Iowa Park, Electra, Burkburnett, Henrietta, Seymour, Vernon, Jacksboro, Stephenville, Lawton, Duncan, Altus, Ft. Sill and many other Texoma communities.
Call us in Lawton at 580-353-HURT (4878) or in Wichita Falls at 940-761-4000 if you or a loved one has been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a train accident.