There’s a reason that people use “train wreck” to describe a very bad situation. Quite different than when your friend says your outfit is a train wreck, a real train accident can lead to serious injury and even death. While not as common as automobile accidents, railroad accidents still occur today. There were over 9,000 train-related incidents in 2012 alone according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
As a passenger, railway employee, or loved one of a victim, surviving a train accident is nothing to shrug at. But now that you’ve sought proper medical attention, you aren’t sure where to turn next. Due to the nature of railroad injuries, your medical bills are probably pretty high. With a personal injury attorney on your side, you can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Passengers & Other Victims
Whether you were on a train that derailed or got struck by one in your car, the train company may be liable for your injuries. In a large derailing incident—the kind that makes the front page—the rail company is almost always held responsible for damages to property and passengers. You should seek medical attention and legal help as soon as possible if you were involved in an accident of that magnitude.
But railway accidents don’t have to be as devastating as a derailed train to warrant compensation. For example, a road sign that was hidden from your view because of poor maintenance can be enough for legal action. When dealing with a machine capable of several thousand horse power, you deserve a little help on your side.
Over the history of railroad transportation, the government has instituted more and more regulations to lower the risk of injury and death in the industry. However, accidents still happen.
For example, in 2008 a train accident occurred in Chatsworth that killed 25 people and injured 135 more. The cause for the accident a distracted engineer, who, reportedly, was texting and missed the signal that would have told him to stop. And while laws have been put in place to avoid this type of distraction from occurring, there are many many variables that could lead to an train accident.
Call Your Personal Injury Attorney
You’ve already endured one traumatic event—don’t get railroaded by the legal system too. No matter what your specific circumstances, a personal injury attorney has the expertise to help you. The railroad will have a cadre of attorneys on their side. Negotiating any kind of settlement without your own attorney won’t work in your favor. Call C and M Law Corporation at (310) 808-3939 today.
