Vital Tips for Avoiding Train Track Intersection Accidents

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Trains are not always on a set schedule, but they are always closer than they appear. It takes a train more than a mile to come to a complete stop, which means anything in its way is at serious risk of danger. Train track accidents are far too common in the United States. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there have been more than 3,900 total railroad accidents since 2014. From those, more than 200 of involved fatalities. Whether on foot or by vehicle, it is vital to your safety and to the safety of others, to abide by all train track intersection laws and regulations.

Continue reading to learn some vital safety tips for rail road tracks, and what to do if you or someone you love is seriously injured in a railway accident.

Causes for Train Track Accidents

The most common cause for train track accidents is negligence, whether by pedestrian, driver, manufacturer, or railway company. In many cases of driving, drivers will attempt to beat the train and cross the tracks by increasing their speed. As mentioned, trains are always closer than they appear, they are much faster than they appear, and they take several minutes to come to a complete stop. It is a dangerous decision to out-drive a train because of these facts and more.

Other cases of train accidents occur when there is a lack of adequate signage or signals on railway tracks and intersections to alert drivers of passing trains. This is especially common at night when it is dark and both drivers and train conductors have difficulty seeing their surroundings. There are several other potential causes for train accidents, some of which are entirely out of a victims control regardless of how obedient they are to the law, including train defects, track defects, electronic defects, judgement errors, mistakes, faulty construction, and inclement weather.

Railroad Safety Tips:

Always adhere to all railroad and traffic laws, whether on foot or in a vehicle.

When driving, only cross a railroad intersection when you are sure there is no risk of stopping or stalling.

Drivers should always remain at least 15 feet away from the actual railroad track. Trains are wider than their tracks.

Never attempt to cross a railroad when the indicators and gates are closing.

If a gate is stuck and will not open back up, contact a police officer for assistance. Never attempt to lift the gates yourself.

Don’t just listen for trains, look for them too. Modern technology makes them quieter.

Do not wear headphones when walking near train tracks. Stay alert and avoid distractions such as these at all times.

Wear reflective gear at night when walking or riding a bike near train tracks or public roads.

Always use extra caution when walking, riding, and driving near train tracks.

Train Accidents and Injuries

Regardless of how your railroad accident occurred, if your injuries were caused by another’s negligence, you need to speak with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney to learn your rights to compensation for your damages and losses. Be sure to do this right away before the statutes of limitations runs out.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Firm  317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call the law firm of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries as a result of a train track accident that was not their fault. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are eager to help all victims of wrongful injuries recover ample compensation for their medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis. That means you do not pay a dime unless we win a settlement for you. Call 317-881-2700 to speak with a compassionate and experienced Indianapolis
personal injury attorney
, today.