Railroad companies are required by law to ensure that railroad crossings are marked well and remain safe for traffic, that engineers and conductors are trained properly, and that lights, gates, and rail guards are fully operational. When a railroad company is negligent in observing its legal duty of care, numerous parties ranging from train passengers to passersby could be gravely injured in an accident.
Train and railroad accident claims are often highly complex as numerous liable parties are frequently involved. A Sanford train accident lawyer can provide guidance on your best legal options and bolster your chances of a successful claim. Our trustworthy personal injury attorneys work tirelessly to help you prevail in your case against a railroad company, train operator, reckless driver, or another at-fault party.
Accidents involving trains or railroad cars can lead to serious or even fatal injuries. These incidents frequently involve a train striking a pedestrian or motorist but can also entail circumstances such as derailments that lead to serious injuries to train passengers. Common causes of train accidents include:
A Sanford attorney can carefully investigate liability in a train accident to determine who is at fault and may be held legally responsible. Multiple parties could be end up bearing legal liability in a train accident lawsuit. For example, if the train operator was intoxicated, speeding, or failed to observe proper care that resulted in an accident, they could be liable for negligence. If the railroad company failed to conduct proper maintenance or vetting procedures for employees, its actions may have contributed to an otherwise avoidable train accident.
The railroad company could also be held vicariously liable for the actions of its operators or conductors. The parties in charge of maintaining the tracks and related infrastructure, such as bridges or tunnels, often have legal culpability for a Sanford, FL train accident.
These parties may be private, as well as public entities like a local government body. In some cases, a negligent third party such as a motorist may also have legal responsibility and owe compensation to victims in a personal injury claim.
After a train accident, a Sanford attorney can play a vital role in gathering and preserving evidence to support a compensation claim. Important evidence that can be used to reconstruct the chain of events and determine sources of liability may include event data records, photos, videos, compliance documents, crossing records, and law enforcement reports.
An attorney can interview witnesses and speak with subject matter experts who can provide testimony that bolsters the strength of the case. Navigating the aftermath of a train accident can be particularly challenging, especially if you are facing a long road ahead as you recover from your injuries.
Train accident victims are often left reeling with long-term injuries including damage to internal organs, back injuries, head injuries, and broken bones. An attorney can provide unwavering advocacy so you can focus on your recovery.
In addition to spearheading an investigation and evidence gathering, an attorney can handle all correspondence with the insurance companies for the at fault parties. This can include negotiating a fair settlement that reflects the full value of your damages or providing trial representation to protect your interests in court.
Most railroad accidents happen at crossings, and these terrible collisions could often have been preventable if not for an individual and/or entity’s negligence. Anyone who is injured in a train accident caused by negligence can have grounds to sue for compensation. A Sanford train accident lawyer can immediately take steps to secure evidence and obtain official reports for the incident; and work alongside accident expert witnesses and engineers who can interpret the evidence.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can represent you in all litigation proceedings. Do not hesitate to secure the representation you deserve, and contact us today to secure your private consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
