Train Accidents

Train accidents can cause immense damage. While many people think that train accidents are rare, they in fact occur more often than many people realize. In 2007, for example, there were 764 train accident fatalities nationwide, according to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis. That same year, there were 11,144 train accidents or incidents across the nation. In fact, a train accident or incident occurs, on average, every 90 minutes. With more than 600 railroads across the country, many of these accidents are happening right in our own backyards.

Trains carrying goods can reach very high speeds and a large number of cars combined with the sheer size of a train can mean multiple fatalities, serious injuries, and significant property damage. If a train is carrying a dangerous or flammable substance, an entire populated area may need to be evacuated after a train accident, causing businesses to close and creating much hassle. Passenger train accidents often involve multiple casualties and serious injuries, as passengers are thrown around the train cars by the impact of the collision.

Many train accidents involve a collision of one or more train cars, a train-car collision, a train-pedestrian collision, or a derailment. These accidents can be caused by intoxicated drivers, tampering or poor condition of the tracks, excessive speed, warning signal failure, mechanical failure, weather, and other factors.

In train accidents, drivers are sometimes held liable if it is found that they were driving while intoxicated or driving too quickly for safety. The company that owns the train and the company that does maintenance on the trains may also be held responsible if a mechanical problem has caused the accident. In some cases, conductor’s employers are found liable.

A train’s employees are most likely to be involved in a train accident. In the event that an employee of a train company is injured in an accident, he or she may file workers compensation claims as well as additional claims against the company. In these cases, a qualified South Florida attorney can help the worker negotiate with their insurance provider to get the fairest settlement possible.

If you have been injured in a train accident in Miami, Hollywood, Homestead, or the surrounding South Florida area, you need the help of a good attorney to ensure that you have all the assistance you are entitled to under the law. This assistance may be crucial in helping you with your medical bills and other costs associated with the incident. If you have lost a loved one in a train accident, you may wish to file a wrongful death suit. Whether you are ready to seek assistance from a South Florida attorney or simply want to know your options, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1 866 Flaxman. (1 866 352 9626). Our experienced South Florida lawyers have worked on many train accident cases and have helped many families through the difficult period after a train accident. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.