Information on Railroad Accidents

In the United States, a person or vehicle is struck by a train every two hours. According to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Safety Analysis, there were 13,067 railroad related accidents in 2007, which resulted in 8,801 injures and 851 deaths. In 2006, railroad accidents claimed the lives of 909 people and 8,244 injuries across the nation. Among those injured, were railroad employees, passengers in automobiles, passengers aboard trains and people walking near railroad tracks and crossings.

Trains are categorized as common carriers. When people are injured or killed in a train accident, a personal injury attorney who is experienced in dealing with railroad accidents should be hired in order to investigate the accident and determine if the carrier is in fact legally liable for the injuries. It is the responsibility of common carriers to ensure that public safety is always maintained and train accidents are avoided for the welfare of the community.

Train and railroad accident law is a complicated and detailed process. A personal injury attorney can act fast in order to work with investigators, gather witness testimony, determine liability and handle any jurisdictional issues.

Common Causes of Railroad Accidents

The predominate causes of railroad accidents are: human factors, track defects, miscellaneous causes, equipment defects and signal defects. The injuries sustained in railroad accidents can be catastrophic and life-threatening. People typically sustain head injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation injuries, burn injuries, broken bones, soft tissue damage and in severe cases, death.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a railroad accident in Seattle or the surrounding areas, a Seattle accident attorney from Ward Smith, PLLC can help. It is essential that you retain an attorney who can represent you and your best interests during the claims process, foregoing legal representation will certainly result in a “low” ball figure when you receive your compensation. An attorney will offer the insight and experience necessary in order to better ascertain the true value of your personal injury claim and what your future losses are likely to be.

Contact a Seattle railroad accident lawyer from our firm today for a free initial consultation.