Why do train accidents occur?

December 9, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

There are a number of reasons why train accidents occur.  The two most common include:

  • Derailments: Derailments occur more often than people think and are often the cause of extensive damage to rolling stock and the railroad track.
  • Train/car collisions and railroad crossing accidents:  Accidents that take place at a railroad crossing involving a train and a car result in substantial damage—primarily, because of the size and weight of the locomotive.

Train accident claims are a unique sub-specialty area where without expertise and knowledge quickly escalate in both time and money to resolve.  Any claim that involves a train or railroad should be reviewed and explored by a railroad claims expert to ensure that all questions and allegations can be answered.

What are U.S. railroad accident statistics?

December 9, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

  • trains-on-trackAccording to the Federal Railroad Administration, in an average year in the United States, more than 3,000 train accidents occur leading to death, injury and property damage.
  • National statistics show that every two hours there is a train accident in the USA.  Almost all of these accidents involve some type of property damage—and in some cases injury and death.
  • Almost all train accident claims and lawsuits are subject to a host of varying laws and legal standards, often involving several parties pointing the finger at overall responsibility.
  • Half of all railroad accidents occur at crossings that are inadequately protected. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, more than 80% of railroad crossings don’t have sufficient warning signals and devices.