RAILROAD ACCIDENTS – TRAIN ACCIDENTS

While the increase in speed and power of airplanes has probably contributed to their degree of safety, it can be argued that the opposite may be true in the case of trains. When trains get bigger and faster, the damages caused by such an accident can go up. In 1999 alone, there were over 2700 train accidents. That year, over 900 people lost their lives in a railroad accident. Fortunately, accidents have decreased almost 15% over the course of the last three years

Railroad accidents are generally caused by collisions with other trains, collisions with cars and pedestrians at railroad crossings, and derailments. There are a number of other causes, which may include malfunctions in the rails themselves, faulty switches, power failures, mechanical failures in the train, vandalism, bad equipment, etc.

Not only can passengers suffer injuries, but railroad workers as well. You may conceivably find yourself in either category. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sets standards, fields reports of accidents and investigates. There is a Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) that helps to ensure the rights of railroad workers who may get injured or sick as a result of something that is occupation-related. If you work on the railroad, you may be entitled to collect damages, lost wages and pain and suffering that goes beyond that which is prescribed in FELA.

If you are a passenger suffering an injury in a train accident, it is critical that you contact an attorney who can evaluate the situation, determine where the responsibility may lie, and assert your rights.

For more information relating to RAILROAD ACCIDENTS
Contact , Ronaldson & Kuchler Attorney Law Offices of Chicago, Illinois.