Train Accidents Can Be Extremely Deadly
The legal team at Chanfrau & Chanfrau helps injury victims in the greater Daytona Beach area receive just compensation following serious accidents. We have a great deal of experience in lawsuits over serious auto accidents, which includes collisions involving commuter vehicles, commercial vehicles, and mass transit.
Some of the deadliest collisions that occur involve trains and rail transit. Let's take a moment to consider these cases.
Train Accidents Can Lead to Major Collisions
Train accidents need to be taken very seriously. During these kinds of accidents, catastrophic injuries and fatal injuries are common. This is a given when one takes into account the sheer amount of force that is created by a massive train. Thankfully train accidents are rare, but when they do occur and the cause of the accident was negligence, having an attorney on your side is crucial.
Potential Causes of Train Accidents
There are numerous causes of train accidents. Some of these issues are related to errors on the part of the train conductor. In other cases the accident is related to reckless behaviors or poor decisions by motorists.
With regard to causes related to the train or the train conductor, some potential causes of accidents include:
- Excessive train speed resulting in derailment
- Excessive train speed causing longer stopping times
- Inattention on the part of the train conductor
- Poor maintenance of the train causing mechanical failure
With regard to causes related to driver error, some potential causes of accidents include:
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Attempting to beat a railroad crossing
- Distracted driving
We should also note that train accidents may be the result of a lack of warning lights or signs at a rail crossing, poor weather, bad road/track conditions, and the presence of debris on the track.
How to Stay Safe Around Railroad Tracks
In order to stay safe around trains and train tracks, it's of the utmost importance that you abide by all warning lights and warning signs. If a railroad crossing signal indicates an oncoming train, stop and wait for the train to pass. Never attempt to bypass the railroad crossing to beat the train. There is a possibility of getting stuck on the tracks or not crossing them in time.
If you're ever in a situation in which there is no warning mechanism at a railroad crossing, be sure to look both ways down the track and listen closely. Proceeding with caution can protect you and any loved ones in the car with you.
Holding Negligent Parties Account
Any time a train accident occurs that was the result of another person or party's negligence, it's important that the negligent party be held accountable. This goes for train conductors for inattention or even local municipalities and governments for not safeguarding their citizens from hazards at railroad crossings. By taking these negligent parties to task, greater safety can be guaranteed for all.
Our legal team will fight diligently on your behalf, working through the complicated legal matters while you and your loved ones can focus your energies on recovery and moving forward with life.
Speak with the Lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau
For more information about your legal rights following a serious collision, it's of the utmost importance that you contact our personal injury law firm today. The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau will fight diligently on your behalf.