Personal injury lawsuits brought against Amtrak and other train firms are among the most difficult sorts of legal disputes. There are often several parties to investigate for culpability, just as in auto accidents. Additionally, the injuries are often serious, necessitating immediate financial assistance to cover medical expenses.
Given their apparent failure to adhere to strict safety regulations and the catastrophic accident in Missouri that left four people dead, it is clear that major train firms have work to do when it comes to passenger safety.
Additionally, the number of derailments and incidents involving trains has increased alarmingly over the last several years, which has increased the number of claims filed against Amtrak. Many of these have resulted in significant losses.
Furthermore, questions regarding Amtrak’s commitment to safety are raised by the frequency and severity of these collisions. Thankfully, there are a number of steps you can take after a train accident to protect yourself.
Steps to Take in the Aftermath of a Train Accident
If an accident occurs, things might seem instantly out of control and terrifying, to say the least. Taking these actions after a railway accident can help you maintain control of your situation and have invaluable information when you seek legal counsel.
- Evacuate. If your automobile stalls on railway tracks, exit the vehicle immediately. Trains running at 60 mph may take over a mile to stop, so do not spend time unloading your vehicle or attempting to restart your engine. Walk away from the tracks in the direction of the incoming train if a train is approaching. It is essential to be prepared for the worst-case situation (your vehicle being struck) and to avoid any potential debris.
- Gather information. When you and your family are safe, try to find the USDOT emergency and identification numbers for the crossing.
- Call for assistance. Dial the emergency number for the train, the local police, or 911. Provide as much specificity and clarity as possible when describing your situation. Inform them that a vehicle is on the rails, and give the location, crossing number, and road/highway name.
Amtrak Accidents Claims
It is clear that a lack of safety rules and enforcement, regrettably, has resulted in high-profile events and the deaths of innocent individuals.
In actuality, Amtrak derailment cases have led to millions of dollars in compensation, and accidents involving Amtrak have triggered a number of lawsuits. Because the train operator was at fault in the 2015 Philadelphia disaster that resulted in eight deaths, Amtrak said that it would not contest liability claims for damages, including medical expenses.
However, the compensation pool is limited by federal law to $295 million. This is the outcome of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997, a piece of legislation that initially set a ceiling on the amount of compensation that Amtrak disaster victims could obtain at $200 million. Although it was increased to $295 million in 2015, this limit may still put future victims and their families at risk.
How an Attorney Can Help
That a train disaster might be terrible for everyone concerned should go without saying. Sadly, victims of such incidents often have fatal injuries or life-threatening injuries that completely upend their lives. Fortunately, if a railway tragedy caused you to sustain injuries or resulted in the death of a loved one, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
A Kansas City train accident attorney may be very helpful in ensuring that you get the justice you are due. If a railway accident has had a profoundly detrimental influence on your life, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.