Trains are as popular as ever in the Pacific Northwest. Whether it’s the passenger train Amtrak, freight trains, the Monorail, the Sounder Train, or the Link Light Rail, trains are an often used mode of transport. Unfortunately, because trains are so heavy, and take so long to stop, they can cause extensive damage and harm to other vehicles, their occupants, or pedestrians they collide with.
Common Types Of Railroad And Train Accidents
- Railroad crossing accidents;
- Pedestrian and bystander accidents;
- Collisions between two trains;
- Collision between trains and other vehicles; and
- Derailments.
Common Causes Of Railroad And Train Accidents
- Maintenance-related mechanical failure;
- Cargo weight exceeding mandated limits;
- Defective crossties;
- Poorly lined switches;
- Poorly marked railroad crossings;
- Poorly maintained railroad tracks, crossing gates, and lights; and
- Conductor error.
Amtrak Train Derailment and Limitation Of Damages
On December 18, 2017, a 132 ton Amtrak train travelling 78mph in a 30 mph zone derailed on an overpass cutting across Interstate 5 in Washington State. Train 501 carried 77 passengers, 5 Amtrak employees and a technician aboard at the time of derailment. Three passengers were killed, and more than 80 people were injured.
Congress placed a limit on the total amount of payment Amtrak will have to remit for a single accident. That amount is $295 million without regard to the number of accident victims or their injuries and losses. This creates a sense of urgency for those who have suffered serious injury or even wrongful death. There may be a struggle for the money set aside, so claims who file a lawsuit sooner may have an advantage.
What To Do If You Are In A Train Accident In Washington
If you have been the victim of a train accident or derailment in Washington, you should immediately seek medical care. Let emergency responders help you. See a physician and get on a plan to physically recover as much as possible. Document everything you can, from the accident onward. Pictures of your injuries and the accident site can be invaluable when presented to a jury.
If you were involved in a train accident, it’s imperative you contact a train accident attorney as soon as possible. The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) will conduct an investigation as a non-interested party, but this could take a year or even more. Waiting for this investigation to conclude can mean the loss or disappearance of evidence that can weaken your claim’s position relative to other claimants experiencing similar losses or injuries.
What Can Be Recovered In A Train Accident Claim
Our attorneys will begin working on your case immediately to determine what, if any, recovery our client is entitled to. Recovery can include benefits such as:
- Past and future medical expenses related to the injury caused including surgeries, hospital stays, chronic pain and suffering, and funeral expenses, if applicable;
- Lost wages due to missed time at work, if applicable;
- Loss of past or future earning potential, if applicable; and
- Other forms of economic and noneconomic loss, if applicable.
Washington’s Law Firm Is Dedicated To Helping The Injured People Of Washington
Call Now To Get Started
Time is of the essence. These claims can take years to resolve, and the clock doesn’t start until you call a lawyer to begin work on your case. Having someone your side can greatly increase your chances at recovering both physically and monetarily. Call our attorneys for a free, confidential and no obligation consultation. We are here to fight for you. If we do not win your case, you will not owe an attorney fee.
