Questions About Train Accidents

What may determine a railroad’s legal responsibility following a railroad injury?

The factors that determine a railroad’s legal responsibility to an injured party depend upon the relationship of the injured person to the railroad. The duty (degree of care) the railroad owes the injured is different depending on whether he/she was a railroad employee, a passenger, or an unrelated third party such as a motorist or pedestrian.

Why do train accidents occur?

The number of train accidents occurring each year is actually dropping in the United States, but when train accidents do occur, loss of life typically results due to the massive size and weight of the trains. The most common type of railroad accident is at crossings, with collisions of trains and cars, most commonly caused by drivers trying to beat trains through intersections. Sadly, some people have been known to take their own lives by parking their vehicle on a railroad crossing and waiting for a train to run into them. It is estimated that a crossing accident takes place every 90 minutes in our country. Other types of accidents are:

  • Derailments
  • Train-pedestrian accidents

The two most common causes of train accidents, according to statistics, are human error and track problems.

Why do I need a train accident attorney?

There are so many factors at work in a train accident. The railroad, itself, may be held liable, the engineer may be responsible, and only an experienced train accident attorney can understand the language that goes along with train accidents. Railroads and their insurance companies will want you to settle and for the least amount of possible. An experienced attorney can protect from these rushed and often unfair settlements. The Cochran Firm knows the law and we know how to fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We have the resources and experts necessary to win your case.

If I win my case against the railroad, what can I receive?

When the railroad is liable (or its insurance company), you may be compensated for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Permanent physical disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of family, social and educational experiences
  • Emotional damages such as stress and depression
  • Decreased enjoyment of life
  • Damaged property

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a train accident, please contact the experienced train accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm, with several offices nationwide.