Speaking with a personal injury attorney in Denver is crucial if a train accident leads to injuries. A lawyer may help determine if negligence was the cause of the incident, which may lead to compensation.
Contacting a personal injury attorney in Denver is crucial after a train accident to recover compensation if negligence was the cause of your injuries. Injuries from this type of collision can be catastrophic and may result in compensation if you can establish that it was caused by someone else’s negligence.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Colorado saw a total of 16 train accidents in the first part of 2012 through July 31. This was on par with the 16 from January through July of the previous year (2011), which saw a total of 31 by year’s end. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all resulted in an individual suffering injuries, but if you are involved in a train accident causing injury and damages, consult a personal injury attorney in Denver.
Common Causes for a Train Accident
Catastrophic or crucial train accidents may cause injury to passengers on board, but they also can occur with other vehicles, other trains and pedestrians, causing injury to other individuals who may not be on the train. They can happen as a result of a derailment (the train actually leaves the tracks) or a direct hit.
While each circumstance is different, there are some common causes for these types of accidents. For instance, operator error is a serious problem. In 2011, the FRA report indicates 16 of the 31 accidents involved human error. Inexperienced or tired train operators could be the cause of an accident. There are numerous other types of mistakes that an operator could make, which could lead to a derailment or crash.
Defects in the track are another potential cause of these accidents. This could stem from maintenance problems or structural defects. The FRA report found that 12 of the 31 accidents in 2011 involved problems with the track, roadbed or other structures.
Mechanical or electrical failures could be to blame, too. While just one accident in 2011 was found to be caused by such a problem, seven accidents in 2010 and five in 2009 were attributed to electrical failures.
Another potential cause of train accidents is a problem with the signals, crossing arms, warning lights or other ways in which people, trains and vehicles are alerted of an approaching train. Any type of defect or malfunction could lead to catastrophic consequences and require the legal representation of a Denver personal injury attorney.
Injuries from Catastrophic or Crucial Train Accidents
Unfortunately, given the sheer size of trains, impact with a vehicle, another train, or a pedestrian can be fatal or cause severe, disabling injuries. Passengers on board may experience similarly crucial train accident injuries, although depending on the nature of the accident, the injuries may be less severe and wide ranging.
Damages sustained in these accidents will depend on the types of injuries and their impact on various aspects of one’s life. Medical bills can mount quickly following an accident involving a train, and victims may be left with future medical bills. That’s not to mention lost wages if the victim must miss time from work to recover. A personal injury attorney in Denver can evaluate the case and go over damages you may have experienced.
If you or someone you love was the victim of a train accident and sustained serious injuries, compensation could be available. You will need to discuss your case as soon as possible with a personal injury attorney in Denver.
