Car Accidents at Railroad Crossings

When trains collide with passenger vehicles, the results are similar to when passenger vehicles run over aluminum soda cans, according to the FRA.
When trains collide with passenger
vehicles, the results are similar to
when passenger vehicles run over
aluminum soda cans, according to
the FRA.

When trains collide with passenger vehicles, the results are similar to when passenger vehicles run over aluminum soda cans, according to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This means that, when trains hit passenger vehicles, most of these accidents are fatal, and if the occupants of the passenger vehicle do survive, they are likely to sustain catastrophic injuries that will result in permanent physical and mental damage.

Although some car accidents that occur at railroad crossings may result from unpredictable or unpreventable circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions, the FRA reports that more than 90 percent of car versus train accidents are the result of some type of human error. What this means is that, in most cases, some type of negligence likely plays a role in causing car versus train accidents. When this is the case, victims – as well as families who have lost a loved one in these accidents – will likely be entitled to compensation for their losses and mental anguish.

Causes of Car Accidents at Railroad Crossings

Some of the specific instances when negligence can play a role in cause car versus train accidents include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Improperly maintained train tracks
  • Inexperienced train personnel, including engineers (This can result in engineers failing to sound whistles at train crossings, failing to properly apply the brakes of trains, etc.)
  • Failure of railroad crossing guard rails to drop when trains are approaching
  • Improperly maintained trains, which could result in brake failure or other equipment failure
  • Vehicle equipment failure associated with passenger vehicles
  • Passenger vehicle drivers being intoxicated, fatigued, distracted and/or inexperienced.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a car accident that occurred at a railroad crossing or in any type of traffic accident that may have been caused by another party’s negligence, contact the St. Louis car accident lawyers at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. We have a long-standing commitment to serving our clients, and we are experienced at aggressively defending our clients’ rights in any legal setting. Our goal is to preserve and promote the rights and welfare of individuals and families who have suffered injuries and losses and/or who need help navigating through the complexities of the court system.

Since 1993, our lawyers have been successfully representing our clients in various areas of personal injury litigation, including car accident lawsuits. Our unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice in every case we handle means that we will work relentlessly to help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes to their cases. One of our primary goals is to help accident victims secure the maximum possible compensation for their injuries and losses so they can focus on their recovery and moving on with their lives.

For a free initial consult, email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen and/or to call us at 573-333-3333 for our Missouri office or at 618-888-8888 for our Illinois office.

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