(407) 712-7300Collisions between trains and any other type of vehicle are almost always catastrophic. About 1,000 people die in these accidents each year. Survivors commonly suffer permanent, life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injury in a train accident at a railroad crossing, the Orlando attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright are prepared to take action against the train operator, his/her employer, and any other liable party. Call (407) 712-7300 for a free review of your claim.
Railroad Crossing Injuries
Injuries sustained in railroad crossing accidents can include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Decapitation
- Coma
- Death
Railroad Crossing Accident Causes
Less than 20% of railroad crossings are protected with lights and gates. 60% of railroad accidents occur at unprotected crossings. Other causes include:
- Trains parking too close to crossings obscuring moving trains from view
- Trains failing to sound their horns when approaching crossings
- Trains failing to use their lights when approaching crossings
- Defective signals or gates
- Crossings which are obstructed by trees, bushes, or other plants
- Objects protruding from the train
- Trains moving too fast
Liability for Railroad Crossing Accidents
Train engineers are required by federal law to use their lights and their horns when approaching a railroad crossing. As a driver, you are required to stop at least 15 feet from the tracks if you see or hear an approaching train.
Railroad crossing accidents can have multiple responsible parties including:
- Railroad companies
- Engineers
- Equipment manufacturers
- Government entities
Railroad companies can be responsible in many ways, including:
- Failure to screen employees
- Failure to train employees
- Failure to monitor employees
- Failure to maintain crossings
- Failure to maintain trains
Statute of Limitations for Railroad Injury Claims
All lawsuits are subject to time limits. Because railroad crossing accidents often involve government entities, you may have as little as six months from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit.
Railroad crossing accident lawsuits are far more complicated than regular auto accident lawsuits. The potential involvement of government entities can mean different procedures will apply in court.
Railroad companies will fight hard to cover up their mistakes. A thorough investigation by an experienced railroad accident attorney is crucial to winning your case.
If you or a family member has been injured in a railroad crossing accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Contact one of the experienced Orlando train accident attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright today by completing our online form or calling (407) 712-7300 to schedule your initial train accident consultation.
