Train accidents are less common than car accidents but can cause more damage. Moreover, train accidents can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries and even causing death. You may be entitled to compensation if you have been involved in a car accident. Talk to a train accident lawyer to learn more about recovering your damages.
Who is at fault for the train accident?
You first must determine who is responsible for the train accident before deciding who to sue. Determining liability in a train accident case can be very challenging. Most of the time, there are multiple factors at play. Some possible parties may be at fault in a train accident.
- Train operator
The train operator may cause mistakes due to carelessness, lack of training, driving while exhausted or distracted, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In such cases, the train operator’s actions or negligence cause the railroad accident, and the train operator is held liable.
- Railroad company owner
Railroad company owners must keep the railway lines safe to operate. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable. This can be due to operator error, rail line defects, or improper train maintenance.
- Railway product manufacturers and distributors
Different parts of the train, such as brakes, wheels, steering devices, etc., are provided by manufacturers and distributors. These parts are critical, and any defects in these may lead to accidents. If the product defects lead to training accidents and injuries, the manufacturers and distributors may be held responsible.
- Railway service workers
A railway service worker may also be held liable if they perform a faulty job and it leads to accidents.
What can you file a lawsuit for?
If you have been involved in a railroad accident, you may decide to file a lawsuit. However, what you file a lawsuit for may differ based on the facts of your case.
If you are injured as a passenger on the train, you may file for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages due to missing work
- Inability to work like before due to injuries
- Other bills incurred because of the accident
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Quality of life becoming impaired
If you are injured in a train accident as a railroad worker and are not at fault, then you can also sue your employers for negligence. Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) allows you to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for your injuries.
Contact an attorney
You are eligible to receive compensation if you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s fault. An attorney can help you seek compensation and recover your damages. Talk to an attorney today.