Trains are one of the safest modes of transportation, statistically speaking. Ohio has plenty of scenic railways as well as standard passenger and freight trains, which draw thousands of passengers each year. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. If you or a loved one was injured in a train accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
Types of Train Accidents
There are four major types of train accidents: train collisions, derailments, trains hitting pedestrians and trains hitting cars. Depending on the number of people on board, the type of accident and other key factors, these traumatic collisions can affect hundreds of people at once.
If you were involved in a train accident, the type of accident is important to determine who is at fault. Typically, the Federal Railroad Administration investigates accidents that involve serious injury or death. That does not preclude you from filing a lawsuit of their own.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Train Accidents?
Depending on the type of train accident, a number of different people may be held responsible. For example, railroad employees owe their passengers a reasonable duty of care (that is, they need to take appropriate precautions to avoid harming others). If an accident occurs because the conductor wasn’t paying attention, they and their employer may be held liable.
If the train accident involved a pedestrian or car, that can change who is at fault. The driver or pedestrian can be held liable for damages if their negligence caused the accident. Alternatively, if the driver or pedestrian intentionally moved in front of a train, they can be held responsible for both civil and criminal consequences.
Sometimes train accidents are caused by faulty equipment or improperly maintained trains. In that case, the person or company responsible could be found negligent.
What to Do if You’re in a Train Accident
If you’re able, take as many photos of the damage, injury, and accident scene as you can. This will help provide important documentation if you file a lawsuit. After you’ve been to a doctor, your next step should be contacting an attorney. A personal injury attorney can help you get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages. If a loved one was killed in the accident, you may also consider filing a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.
Contact an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney
Train accidents are catastrophic and traumatic. If you or a loved one were hurt in a train accident, call me at 877.614.9524 I’ll help you explore your legal options. If I take on your case, I’ll Make Them Pay!®.
