Columbia Train Accident Lawyer

Although train crashes occur far less than car accidents, they still have resulted in close to 1,000 fatalities every year in the U.S. Whether it’s a train derailment, or a collision with another train, car, or person, the results are often devastating.

Amtrak train derailments have made headlines in recent years, leading to personal injury and wrongful death claims for the victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a train collision, it’s important to know that you have legal options and protections available to you. Contact a Columbia train crash lawyer for more information about filing a civil claim for compensation.

What Causes Train Accidents?

There are many factors that can contribute to a train crash, some of which include some type of safety defect, poor track maintenance, equipment malfunction, an impaired or distracted train operator, or speeding.

Because of this, there can be more than one party – such as the train operator, the train company, or the government entity responsible for maintaining the tracks – that can be held liable for a train crash. Unfortunately, many types of train collisions cause severe injuries for passengers and employees. Common example of train accidents include:

Train Derailment

This is when a train leaves the tracks for any number of reasons, from excessive speed to faulty track conditions. Amtrak train derailments have made headlines in recent years, but these incidents can – and do – happen all over the country.

Accidents with Other Trains

While train derailments get most of the attention, train-on-train collisions are also a serious problem. These often occur at crossings where one train has the right-of-way, but the other doesn’t yield in time.

Collisions with Cars

Cars are no match for a train, and accidents between trains and cars often result in serious injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the car. These crashes often occur at crossings where there are no gates or lights to warn drivers that a train is approaching.

Collisions with Pedestrians

Walkers, joggers, and people out for a leisurely stroll can also be hit by trains. These accidents often happen in areas where there is no fencing to keep people off the tracks.

A skilled attorney in Columbia could help identify who is at-fault for a train accident and ensure a claimant gets the financial recovery they deserve.

What Are Your Rights if You’ve Been Injured in a Train Crash?

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), there are over 5,000 train-vehicle collisions every year in the United States. Most of these occur at crossings that are not protected by gates or lights. In fact, the DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration indicates around 80% of railroad crossings do not have sufficient gates or flashing lights.

In addition, much of the technology that rail companies utilize currently is very dated, with very few new safety features. All of this means that if you or a loved one has been involved in a train accident in Columbia, a seasoned attorney could help you file you a civil lawsuit against the railroad company.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Assist if You’ve Been Injured in a Train Crash

To successfully bring a civil claim against a railroad company, you will need to prove that the company was negligent in some way. This can be complicated and difficult to do without the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases. A diligent lawyer in Columbia will investigate the train accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf, as well as identify each party that may be held liable. A legal representative will also collect witness testimonials, accident reports, and medical records to further support your claim, as well as ensure all of this is done in a timely manner prior to the statute of limitations expiring.

Contact a Columbia Train Accident Attorney for Help with Your Civil Claim

If you or someone you love has been involved in a train crash, it’s essential to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The sooner you contact an experienced Columbia train accident lawyer, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Chris Miller have successfully represented many clients who have been injured in train accidents, and we are ready to put our experience and resources to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and explain your legal options.