Although we do not often hear about them in the news, there are thousands of train crashes every year in the U.S. When a train hits a car or pedestrian, the results are devastating. Trains require a very long stopping distance and engineers cannot make sudden stops to avoid an accident. Complex safety systems are required to prevent railroad crossing accidents. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a railroad crossing accident our Charleston injury attorneys can help you and your family get the compensation you deserve
Railroad Crossing Accident Causes
The majority of railroad crossings are not protected with lights and gates. This problem alone leads to a large percentage of railroad crossing accidents. Other causes include:
- Defective signals or gates
- Trains failing to sound their horns when approaching crossings
- Trains failing to use their lights when approaching crossings
- Trains parking too close to crossings obscuring moving trains from view
- Crossings which are obstructed by trees, bushes, or other plants
- Objects protruding from the train
- Trains moving too fast
Responsible Parties in Railroad Crossing Accidents
The majority of railroad crossing accidents are the responsibility of railroad companies. Engineers have certain duties they must adhere to for railroad crossing safety, but in most cases their employers are still held liable for their behavior. Railroad companies can be held responsible for railroad crossing accidents due to:
- Failure to properly screen, train, or monitor employees
- Failure to maintain crossings
- Failure to maintain trains
Other responsible parties can include:
- Equipment manufacturers
- Government entities
- Engineers
Railroad Accident Help
If you or a love one has been injured in a railroad crossing accident, you need the help of an experienced Charleston railroad accident attorney. Railroad accidents are much more complex than regular car or pedestrian accidents. The investigation requires special expertise and unique laws will apply to your case.
If you or a loved one has been inured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, please call our Charleston injury attorneys or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.