Mendon is a tiny rural town in Missouri with a population of barely 200 people, but on July 27, 2022, that number swelled as news crews and curious onlookers descended on the town after an Amtrak train derailment. An investigation is currently underway, but early reports indicate that the incident happened at an uncontrolled railroad crossing that did not have warning lights or motion gates. Four people have been confirmed dead, and another 150 injured in the Amtrak train derailment. The Amtrak train had about 275 passengers on board when it collided with a dump truck.

Train crashes involving collisions with other vehicles and/or derailments are unfortunately not uncommon. In the last decade, there have been several Amtrak train derailments that have resulted in multiple fatalities. In 2015, a train derailed in Philadelphia, killing 8 people, and injuring over 185. In 2017, an Amtrak train derailed in Washington state, killing 3 people, and injuring 65. One of the largest crashes occurred in 1999 when an Amtrak train collided with a tractor-trailer at a grade crossing in Illinois, killing 11 and injuring 122 people.

The location of Monday’s crash – at the intersection of County Road 113 and Porche Prairie Road in Chariton County, Missouri – has been on a statewide list of train crossings in need of safety improvements and upgrades.

Involved in a Train Crash and Want to Understand Your Options?

This Amtrak train derailment will likely result in personal injury claims being filed by passengers of the train. It’s also just the latest example of how a lack of safety measures can lead to tragedy.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a train derailment or other type of train crash resulting in injuries, it is important to understand your legal options. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, investigate the cause of the accident, and determine who may be held liable. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. If you lost a loved one in a train crash and there was evidence of criminal or negligent behavior, you may be within your rights to collect financial compensation through a wrongful death claim.

The repercussions of you or a loved one being involved in a train crash can be far-reaching and devastating. The physical, emotional, and financial tolls can be significant. This latest train derailment is an important reminder of the need for safety improvements at railroad crossings, as they can have life-or-death consequences.

Contact us to Learn More About Your Legal Options After a Train Crash

If you or someone close to you has been involved in any kind of train accident, the personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Chris Miller can help. We’ll assist you in understanding your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.