Trains are a convenient mode of transportation, especially in the city. For most office workers and employees, owning a car or commuting by taxi are unaffordable. Besides, cities are notorious for traffic jams—According to The Post, New York City has the worst traffic congestion in America. It makes sense why people prefer to take the train.
However, trains aren’t entirely safe. You could get in an accident riding a train, which has severe consequences. They are more likely to result in wrongful death or personal injury than other types of vehicular crashes. Here are some common reasons for railway accidents and how to avoid them.
Negligence or Errors
There are many types of railway negligence. Many people can be at fault, from the railroad to the contractor or even the equipment manufacturer. If the railway system uses outdated technology, it could put riders and employees in danger.
Negligence can also happen because of human error. An inexperienced, overworked, or tired conductor might have impaired or late reactions, leading to accidents. If there are foreign objects at or near the tracks, it could cause a derailment. Conductors are trained in handling dangerous situations, but they might not see obstructions on the tracks at times.
Even if everyone operating the train were doing things correctly, railroad accidents could still happen because of mechanical failure. Since trains are complex machines, one faulty piece of equipment could cause a serious or deadly accident.
Speeding
Speed is often a factor in fatal car crashes, but it can also contribute to the severity of a railway accident. The higher the train’s speed, the greater the chance of derailment, and the worse the crash. Misjudging the speed needed to navigate turns is one of the reasons for crashes.
Crossing Issues
At times, railway accidents happen not because of the train but because of people outside it. Distracted or reckless pedestrians who walk on or close to the track could cause collisions. Meanwhile, drivers of other vehicles could cause a crash if they move too close to the tracks or try to cross before the train passes.
Crossing issues could also occur because of faulty gates, lights, and other warning devices. Lack of visibility, distracted drivers, and drivers trying to outrun the train could cause railroad accidents.
Do These if You Get in a Railway Accident
In NYC, an injured passenger does not have much time to file a personal injury claim. Here are things you should know if you or your loved one get in a railway accident.
- Carefully Listen to Instructions: After a train crash, you will immediately hear instructions over the train’s public address system. Listen and follow all of the instructions. If the train personnel ask you to move to an emergency exit, door release, or emergency window, comply—it ensures that you can disembark safely.
- Document What Happens: Never rely on your memory, especially for recounting stressful or emotionally charged situations like these. Over time, you will forget important details about the accident scene or the injuries you sustained. Take as many pictures as possible of your injuries and surroundings. Write down your experience and note the details relevant to your injuries. Documentation like these helps you prove negligence when you’re claiming damages.
- Act Quickly: If you don’t seek medical attention immediately after a crash, insurance companies might use the time delay to argue that you did not get injured on the train. A medical report will prove the extent of your injuries, and hospital bills will show how much you had to spend to treat them. Also, submit a Notice of Claim within 90 days from the accident; otherwise, you might not get remuneration. Consult a lawyer who specializes in these types of cases to make your case stronger.
Conclusion
Train accidents happen for several reasons. At times, it’s because there’s something wrong with the train or the tracks. An accident could also be because of human error or negligence. In any case, if you are injured in a railway crash, you probably have the right to a settlement. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Ronemus & Vilensky approach each case as if it were going to court. We are dedicated railway accident lawyers in New York City, and we have experience handling cases involving all the major rail transport companies in the metro. Contact us for a free consultation today.