Railroad Accidents

As of 2003, there were nearly 550 railroads in the United States, and in 2004, it was estimated that there were more than 890 railroad fatalities and nearly 8,500 injuries in the United States, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.  In 2005, the Federal Railroad Administration estimated that there were more than 11,000 railway-crossing accidents nationwide.

The most common types of train accidents are collisions with other trains, collisions with passenger vehicles and pedestrians, and single train accidents.  These types of accidents may be caused by improperly maintained crossings that are not properly marked, lit and/or fail to have proper warning signs, conductor inattention and error, or mechanical failure.  Absent, inadequate, or malfuctioning warnings at railroad crossings cause and contribute to collisions.  According to the Federal Railroad Administration, more than half of all railroad accidents occur at unprotected crossings and over 80 percent of railroad crossings don't have adequate warning devices.

Train and railroad accident law can be complicated and, as a result, it is important to contact a lawyer prepared to to help you through the process of determining what happened, who is responsible, and what your legal options are.  If you or a loved one has been involved in a train or railroad accident, please contact one of the attorneys at Cline Farrell Christie Lee & Caress for a free consultation.  We look forward to hearing from you and we welcome the opportunity to serve and assist you.