Train and subway accidents are more common than you might know. Hundreds happen each year, and almost all of them involve great destruction. The mass of trains makes railroad accidents far more destructive than even truck accidents.
As common carriers, railroad operators and companies have a responsibility to drive their vehicles safely. When anyone on the railroad is negligent, contact our railroad accident lawyers in North Bergen at Morelli Law Firm for advice.
Causes of Railway Accidents
The usual culprits for railway accidents are human error and mechanical failure – sometimes, a combination of both. Finding the cause is important for your lawsuit because it tells us which parties hold responsibility for your injuries. Some causes include:
Human Error
Like with cars and trucks, the first place to look is operator error. A moment of distraction can make a conductor miss a signal or a sudden hazard. Sometimes, in the pursuit of speed, they can drive the train too fast for the tracks and cause a derailment.
There have been cases where train operators have gone to work on the job under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or became exhausted because of a long work shift. Even though trains run on rails, these are extremely reckless actions and will be considered acts of negligence.
We also cannot ignore vehicle drivers who try to beat a train before it arrives. If someone circumvents safety barriers or gets their vehicle stuck on the tracks, they’re the ones responsible for what happens. Remember, due to their size, trains are closer to you than you might think.
Mechanical Failure
To keep people safe during train operation, there are many safety checks and devices to warn people of a problem. If these fail, people can die easily. Just think of the danger of crossing a track with malfunctioning safety arms.
Along with safety gear, railroad companies must maintain the train and the track for smooth operation. If they’re not, it can create the conditions for a derailment or a sudden jolt that could make a passenger fall and hurt themselves.
With equipment failures, there are many parties that could become part of your lawsuit, from inspection teams to equipment manufacturers. Your railroad accident lawyer in North Bergen can help you find the right parties for your lawsuit.
Our Firm’s Experience With Railroad Accidents
Morelli Law has more experience with railroad accidents than many other firms in the region. In 2015, Amtrak crashed a train outside of Philadelphia. Our team secured $265 million for the victims of that accident. This was the largest settlement ever for a passenger railroad accident.
From that experience, we’ve also worked on two cases in 2016 in Hoboken and in Long Island for railroad accidents. What we’ve found working on these cases is that trains need to have speed regulators to slow down when approaching curves.
Besides derailments, our team also knows how to proceed with FELA suits. This is the workers’ compensation program for railroad workers injured on-the-job. You may need our help to maximize your compensation if you’re hurt in this situation.
North Bergen Railroad Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Compensation You Could Be Eligible to Receive
If you’ve been hurt in a railroad accident, you’re eligible for both economic and non-economic damages. The exact damages and their amounts are something your lawyer will calculate. Common damages we see include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Reduced earning capacity or disability
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
Train accidents are also quite deadly for many. If you’ve lost a loved one in a train accident, we can help you with starting a wrongful death lawsuit over the matter. You may be able to recover funeral expenses, final medical expenses, and several non-economic damages related to wrongful death.
Make Us Your Railroad Accident Firm
If you’ve experienced a railroad accident in North Bergen, speak to the team that has the experience. Speak with Morelli Law. Our North Bergen railroad accident lawyers are ready to represent you. Call us today or reach out online for a review of your situation during a free case evaluation.