Railroad accidents: a guide

When we think about accidents that occur on roadways, it is common to think about two cars colliding. However, train accidents occur more often than you may realize. In 2017, there were over 2,000 railroad-crossing collisions.

What are the most common types of accidents?

The most common types of accidents happen when a train and a car collide, or a train and a pedestrian collide. Many accidents occur in train crossing accidents, when a train collides with a car that is in the middle of crossing the tracks. More than half of accidents, including a train and car, happen at the railroad crossing. Other types of accidents include:

Mechanical failure
Derailing
Too much cargo
Improper maintenance of either train or tracks

Who can be hurt by a train accident?

Bystanders: Bystanders can include pedestrians who were struck by a passing train and cars that are hit by an oncoming train. Individuals who are in this situation are the most commonly injured.
Passengers: Passengers on a train are often thought of as fairly safe, but incidents do happen. Trains can injure passengers while making a quick stop or when individuals are getting on and off the train.
Workers: The environment that railroad workers are in everyday can be dangerous, which is why injuries happen often. Common injuries include electrocution and falling off a moving train.

It can be frightening to think about getting struck by an oncoming train. However, knowing the types of accidents and how they occur can help you avoid them.

Train accidents can have devastating consequences for drivers, pedestrians, passengers, and railroad workers alike. Understanding how these accidents occur is an important step toward prevention, but when negligence leads to injury, victims may have legal options.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a train or railroad crossing accident, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

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We know just how difficult things can be after an accident – even things that once seemed simple. That’s why we are dedicated to
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meeting at a local coffee shop, the hospital or even your home, we are more than willing to do it. If you were in a motor vehicle
collision and your vehicle has not yet been repaired, we can help move that process along as well.