Train Travel - Is It Really A Safe Option?

With over 600 separate railroads and thousands of miles of track, train travel is an economic way of getting from point A to point B in the United States. It is not only used for passenger travel but is also used for transporting freight such as coal and chemicals. In, fact if you can manufacture it, the chances are that it can be transported in this way. Naturally when an accident happens, it often occurs with devastating results. If you or a loved one have been involved in a train accident in the state of California, then it is vital that you should contact a team of experienced accident attorneys Los Angeles who can help.

Passenger trains only take up about a third of the railway system in the US, but the problem is that these trains are generally carrying in excess of two hundred passengers at any one time. If a serious accident does happen, then it is unlikely to result in just a few minor injuries. On the contrary casualties are likely to be serious and indeed plentiful.

So what are the most common causes of train accidents? A Los Angeles accident attorney explains...

Negligence

Without doubt, the number one cause of train related crashes is negligence. This can be down to driver negligence for failing to see warning signs or failing to stop or slow down. Alternatively, it could be down to negligence by an engineer or signalman. In 2008 the Chatsworth Metrolink disaster was one of the worst rail disasters in the history of California. 25 people were killed and over 200 were injured, some badly, when an engineer failed to heed a warning sign, during which time he was allegedly sending and receiving text messages on his cell phone.

Badly maintained railroads

Inadequate or insufficient maintenance is also cited as a main cause of train crash accidents. Faulty signals, worn or damaged tracks and deficient pedestrian crossing gates are a still a big cause for concern.

People error

Rather worryingly a large percentage of rain derailments and collisions are due to human error, or deliberate human behavior. Many people take risks at rail crossings and try to jump the crossing gates, or walk along the tacks to take a short cut. As well as human error, there is also intentional behavior such as attempted suicide. In 2005 11 people were killed and 150 injured when a Metrolink train crashed into a truck that was deliberately left on the rail lines as a suicide attempt.

The above only expresses problems with passenger related trains. Often a train crash can and does result in the spillage and spreading of deadly chemicals and toxins. This may result in whole town's suffering from breathing problems, skin irritations and in some cases birthing defects and even wrongful death. An experienced team of Los Angeles accident lawyers have the ability to be able to deal with this type of case as they are well versed in all areas of train crash law. They will have the financial backing necessary to be able to investigate such a case thoroughly, so as to leave no stone unturned.

Most of the large corporations such as Metrolink, Caltrans and some of the larger chemical companies will have their own teams of attorneys who will work solely for them, and will be very knowledgeable in this specific area of law. If a layperson tried to represent themselves, then there is a good chance that the defending team of attorneys would run rings around the plaintiff and they would end up losing the case. A skilled accident lawyer Los Angeles on the other hand, can be brought in to 'level up' the playing field. They will fight your corner and will be expert negotiators. A good attorney will also naturally have your interest at heart and will have the ability to maximize your compensation so that you get the full and fair compensation that you deserve. Not all railroad companies are willing to accept responsibility and this is where the services of a good attorney come in.

On the whole it is fair to say that train travel is still a safe way to travel although clearly accidents do occur. However, if you have suffered an injury because of a train related accident, then contact an experienced team of LA accident attorneys as soon as you are able. You just might be surprised at what they can do to help.