Railroad Accidents
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, each year there are approximately 3,000 train accidents in the U.S. and about 1000 people lose their lives. The large numbers of railroad accidents that have occurred in the recent past have led to concerns about the railroad industry cutting costs. Reducing the number railroad maintenance workers, increasing cargo loads, and decreasing the budget for repairs have cut railroad costs.
Types of Railroad Accidents
There are four main types of railroad accidents:
- Collision with another train
- Derailment
- Collision with a passenger vehicle
- Accident due to mechanical failure - such as brake failure
Railroad Accident Causes
Railroad accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including:
- Defective railroad tracks
- Aggressive driving - most collisions with passenger vehicles can be attributed to reckless driving by the driver of the passenger vehicle.
- Mechanical failure - contributing factors to mechanical failure include insufficient maintenance staff and money for repairs.
- Heavier cargo loads - heavier loads can result in derailment and other accidents
Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA)
Railroad workers who are injured while on the job are protected under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). FELA ensures proper compensation for workers who are injured due to the railroad company's negligence. However, FELA is different from traditional workers' compensation in that the railroad employee must prove that the railroad was negligent before they can collect compensation.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a railroad accident, you may want to contact a railroad accident attorney for more information.
Legal Rights
News Alert
If you would like to receive emails about the latest legal news, fill in the form below.
Legal Rights Questions
If you feel that you have grounds for a lawsuit, contact an experienced attorney today for a case evaluation.