No one takes a train, or even approaches one in their vehicle, thinking that it is going to end in disaster, but it happens more often than people think. When train accidents happen, those hurt can often file a lawsuit or a personal injury claim to help pay for the costs associated with the accident. This can include medical bills, lost income, and any other losses incurred. These personal injury claims are some of the toughest to pursue, though. Anyone wishing to file one should speak to a Sacramento train accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Train Accidents in SacramentoThere are a number of reasons a train might get into an accident. Many of these occur due to a car trying to cross the tracks before a train gets there. In other instances, the cause is due to something else. Some of the most common causes of train accidents are:
These are just a few of the most common reasons train accidents occur. Anyone who has been impacted by a train accident, regardless of the cause, should speak to a Sacramento train accident lawyer who can help with their case.
Liability in a Sacramento Train AccidentAfter an accident, it is normal for victims to wonder who is to blame. Many automatically assume it is the fault of the railroad company, but that is not always the case.
By law, railroad companies are considered common carriers. That is, their job is to transport passengers for a fee. As a common carrier, railroad companies are expected to use the highest degree of care and vigilance. However, they do not have to guarantee the safety of the passengers. This does not protect them in cases in which they are negligent, however.
Railroad companies and anyone who works for them are still expected to use a reasonable standard of care when transporting their passengers. If they can prove that they did all they could to prevent an accident, the courts may not find them liable.
That does not mean that someone else does not hold any blame for the accident. If the engineer was negligent and took a turn too fast, was traveling at excessive speeds, or otherwise acted carelessly, then he or she may be found liable for the accident.
Today, most trains have the same black boxes found on airplanes and most other forms of public transportation. These boxes record information such as how fast the train was moving, what direction it was traveling in, and even when the brakes and horn were used.
This information is a great help when trying to prove liability in a train accident. Still, it is difficult for victims to obtain this black box and interpret the information on it without help. A Sacramento train accident lawyer will have the necessary experience to do this, and prove liability.
Injured by a Train? Call a Sacramento Train Accident LawyerNo one should ever be hurt by a train, particularly when the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. If you have been in a crash, you need the help of the experienced Sacramento train accident attorneys at the Brod Law Firm. Train accidents are frightening, and it can be difficult for accident victims to know what to do next. We will outline all the important steps to take after an accident, and we will help you file your claim to give you the best possible chance of success. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 for your free case evaluation and learn how we can help.