Train accidents are devastating and can easily result in serious
injury or death. If you are a loved one has been injured or if you have
lost a family member in a train accident, you need to speak to a
California train accident attorney who can help you understand your
legal options for filing a claim and recovering damages. The law firm
of Estey & Bomberger, LLP does not charge up front fees and there
are fees if we do not win your case. We offer a free consultation to all
potential clients.
Train Accident and Derailment Information
In the United States, there are over 600 railroads and hundreds of
thousands of miles of railroad tracks crossing this country. Much of
this is used for freight transport, which includes rail for cargo,
merchandise and chemicals. It is those trains carrying the toxic
chemicals that are of particular threat when they are involved in
accidents. Passenger trains, on the other hand, use only a fraction of
the railroads. These railroads, too, are involved in collisions and
derailments. The problem here is, these trains are carrying hundreds
of passengers on them. Negligence on the part of engineers, inadequate
rail maintenance, and unsafe operators are but a few of the reasons
cited for what causes train accidents. Automobiles crossing the tracks
and causing collisions is an all too common problem. Last January,
2005 a man left his truck on the railroad tracks in an alleged suicide
attempt and caused a Metrolink train to crash into the vehicle and
derail, killing eleven victims and injuring at least two hundred
others. Train travel has increased dramatically in California in
the past decade. Commuters rely on trains such as the Metrolink to get
them to and from work every day. With more use comes an increase risk
of accidents.
Train accidents often result because of the railroad's negligence
(such as poor maintenance of trains or track) or the negligence of the
operator. In many cases such accidents could have been avoided if the
engineer had acted in a proper fashion. When these accidents do occur,
they may result in lost lives and terrible injury to those involved.
In 2005, where were 3,152 train accidents. Thirty three resulted
in fatalities, 730 people were injured. 2,256 derailments occured and
there were 261 collisions. As the numbers show, train accidents are not
at all uncommon.
Railroad accidents may also result in hazardous chemical and
material spills. These types of accidents basically consist of:
- train derailments
- collisions with passenger vehicles or trucks
- collision with other trains
For 2005, statistics showed that in 36 accidents where the release
of hazardous materials was involved, 7,646 persons were evacuated at
the time of these incidents. 49 rail cars in these accidents were
reported as releasing hazardous materials.
The laws that govern liability on train accidents can be extremely
complex. When it comes to injuries sustained in a railroad accident,
proving the physical, emotional, or psychological extent of an injury
can be difficult. Not all railroad companies are willing to assume
responsibility, it may be necessary, then, for accident victims to
contact legal representation to ensure fast recovery of damages
resulting from the accident. A credible and trustworthy California personal injury attorney
who understands the laws pertaining to railroad accidents could make
all the difference. Call the legal experts at Estey & Bomberger
today. We have the resources and expertise to help you through the
complex process related to helping you receive just compensation for
damages resulting from such an accident.
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