Railroad Crossing Accidents
The Federal Railroad Administration estimates that every 90 minutes there is a train collision or derailment in the United States. For the last decade, there have been approximately 3,000 railroad accidents annually, with nearly 35% of railway crossing accidents involving children under 16. Many of these accidents are avoidable and caused by defective or outdated train equipment, or undertrained or overworked employees. Railroads are self-regulated and a close eye is kept on the bottom line for profit. Very little is done to update technology unless there are several accidents or lawsuits related to a specific crossing. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, more than 80% of public crossings do not have safety lights and gates and 60% of all train accidents happen at these crossings. Other examples of the
railroad's fault in crossing accidents include:
- Obstructed crossing because of vegetation or other objects
- Limited sight distance for vehicle operators or the train
- Trains approaching crossings without lights on and horn sounding
- Unsafe locomotive cab protruding metal or structural parts, weak steel parts, lack of full body protection, poor seats or seats with protruding steel on support brackets.
There are many types of railroad grade crossing accidents. Some affect more than the vehicle driver and train crew. In most cases, when a grade crossing collision occurs, there has been a violation of at least one traffic law. The most common cause of highway-rail collisions is intentional violations of law, because of impatience or inattention. In over 25% of collisions, the vehicle driver runs into the train. Over half of all railroad grade crossing accidents occur at crossings where there are active warning devices.
If you were in a vehicle hit by a train or if you suffered injury as a passenger on a train, please contact us for a free case evaluation.
For more information:
Personal Injury
FAQs
Personal Injury Legal Glossary
Railroad Accident Legal Glossary
Railroad Accident News
FACTBOX
Source: Reuters (Corrects information on April 5 coal mine accident to reflect it was deadliest U.S. mining disaster since 1972, not 1984) Sept 2 (Reuters) - Energy production and distribution in the United ...
China, Clinton, Oakland, Waterville logs
IN CHINA, Sunday at 1:02 p.m., a vehicle accident with personal injury was reported at Lakeview Drive and Legion Memorial Drive. IN CLINTON, Sunday at 6:08 p.m., a case involving criminal mischief was reported at Clinton Elementary School on Morrison Avenue.
Two alleged hit
Cleburne police caught up with two drivers allegedly involved in hit-and-run accidents.
Morning Sentinel police log: Aug. 31, 2010
IN ANSON, Sunday at 4:13 p.m., a report of a burglary in progress was investigated on River Road.
For the record
• Friday at 6:49 a.m., report traffic lights not working north/south at S. Lincoln Ave./E David Dr. • Friday at 7:07 a.m., report of water coming out of ground on west side of Community Center, E 7th St./N. Grant Ave.
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