Railroad Crossing Accidents
Railroad Crossing Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a railroad crossing, a railroad injury lawyer can advise you as to your legal rights for compensation. Victims of railroad crossing accidents, including both car and pedestrian accidents, may be able to hold responsible third parties liable for past and future medical bills, pain & suffering, and loss of quality of life.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, in 2005, there were over 3,000 highway-rail accidents nationwide, with over 350 deaths. The year of 2011 saw a slight decrease, but still about 250 people were killed and over 1,000 injured. Over 30 of those incidences occurred in New York, alone.
These kinds of accidents and injuries lead a New York car accident lawyer to ask the question—was the crossing safe? Did the railroad provide adequate warnings of oncoming trains? Did the employees in the train follow proper procedures? These and other questions can help determine whether the injured party may be eligible for a personal injury lawsuit in New York.
Types of railroad crossing accidents in New York
A railroad crossing accident in New York can result in catastrophic injury or even death. Trains travel with high momentum, and it can be extremely difficult for them to stop quickly. In some rural areas, in particular, railroad restrictions may not be as demanding as they should be, allowing companies to ignore safety violations.
Injuries that may occur from a railroad crossing in New York may include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Back and neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
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Liability in a railroad crossing accident in New York
If you or a loved one were involved in a railroad crossing accident in New York, you may benefit from a consultation with a railroad injury lawyer. A thorough review of your case may reveal evidence that the railroad company failed to properly employ or maintain standard safety measures. In that case, the company may be held liable.
Potential causes of railroad accidents include:
- Crossing was not properly marked
- The crossing did not include safety gates, or these gates were not functioning correctly
- Crossing lights were broken or missing
- The tracks were not properly maintained
- There was a mechanical failure or defect in the train itself or the safety equipment
- The train’s engineer failed to sound the warning whistle or signal with a head light
- The crossing contained visual obstructions
- Train engineers and crews failed to comply with requirements regarding speed, warnings, and crossing maintenance
- Operator error due to fatigue, drug use or alcohol use
If any of these factors were a part of your railroad crossing accident, you may be eligible for compensation by filing a car accident lawsuit in New York.
New York car accident lawyer
After a serious railroad crossing accident, it’s important that you and/or your loved one get immediate medical attention. Medical records will be important to your case, as will be any reports from law enforcement personnel who responded to the accident.
The New York personal injury attorneys at The Sanders Firm have years of experience in successfully handling railroad-crossing accidents. We are experts in New York’s No-Fault Law and can help you successfully navigate the legal procedures necessary to file your lawsuit. A successful case can help you recover damages critical to helping you to recover from the financial burden of medical care.
Considering a personal injury lawsuit in New York
If you or a loved one has been injured in a railroad crossing accident in New York, including in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, or Long Island, a consultation with a New York car accident lawyer at The Sanders Firm can help you determine your legal rights. We can help you gather additional information, such as photographs of the accident site, witness testimonies, and the locomotive’s “black box.” You deserve representation. Call toll-free: 1-800-Fair-Play (800-324-7752).
At The Sanders Law Firm, Success Is A Tradition
Founded in 1967, The Sanders Law Firm has flourished into one of New York’s most successful personal injury practices, with an accomplished team of attorneys, paralegals, health care consultants, and support staff. Our trial attorneys take new cases on a contingency basis, which means there is no cost to the client unless we secure monetary damages on your behalf.
Our personal injury law firm continues to make its industry-leading legal services even better, and hire attorneys and staff that enable us to serve a more diverse population.
At The Sanders Firm, there is never any charge to evaluate your case. We have helped thousands of injured clients throughout New York City, Long Island, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, and we’re prepared to help you too. In just the last five years we have procured over $100 million dollars on behalf of our clients, thanks to our vast resources and experienced attorneys. Our personal injury law firm continues to make its industry-leading legal services even better, and hire attorneys and staff that enable us to serve a more diverse population.
To set up your free, no-obligation case review with a New York personal injury lawyer, please call (516) 591-3208 or contact us using our online form. Our friendly staff is standing by to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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The Sanders Law Firm is a New York personal injury practice with offices in Long Island, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn.