Railroad Accident

Atlanta Railroad Accident Attorney

Due to speed and the tremendous forces of impact involved with railroad/vehicle collisions, it is little wonder that accidents involving trains often cause more devastation than any other type of wreck.  Regardless of whether you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian or even an employee of the railroad, these terrible accidents cause catastrophic and life-altering injuries. At Jackel & Phillips, we stand up for the rights of train accident victims and fight hard to get justice for them. We have a tremendous track record with personal injury cases, and we’re prepared to help you by always going the “extra mile.” When a railroad accident occurs, seeking representation from an experienced attorney who has your best interests at heart can be the key to recovering your full compensation amount.

Common Causes Of Railroad Accidents

Surprisingly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), three out of four railroad/train crashes occur within 25 miles of a motorist’s home.  In fact, over fifty percent of all of these types of crashes occur within five miles of the motorist’s home.  Further, NHTSA statistics show that a motorist is almost 20 times more likely to perish in a crash involving a train, than in a collision involving another motor vehicle.  It should also be noted that train crashes or derailments often result in the release of harmful toxins, both as solids, liquids and gases, which can wreck havoc by contamination on nearby neighborhoods.

Here in Atlanta, MARTA has also had its fair share of train injuries and accidents.  In fact, there have been two fatal accidents involving MARTA, both of which were investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.  Worse, it has been publically reported that MARTA trains have derailed at least four times during recent years.

As to why these accidents happen there are a multitude of reasons. One of the prime reasons is that a poorly maintained railroad crossings has suffered a mechanical failures.  Human error is also a common root cause for train derailment.  Naturally, the enormous damage caused by train and railroad accidents frequently result in substantial loss of property and human suffering. In fact, over 2,500 train accidents annually.

Although trains are not the primary method of transportation in America, there are still approximately 600 operational railroads today, and thousands of accidents occurring each year.

The State of Georgia has established strict regulations (along with penalties) for the maintenance of railroad crossings in an effort to reduce the incidence of train accidents.   Therefore, train conductors must exercise the utmost caution while operating their machinery.  Nonetheless, there are numerous, but avoidable problems, that can happen on a railroad.  Here are the most common causes of railroad accidents.

• Mechanical Failure and Equipment Defects;
• Derailment by Track Defects;
• Train Operator Negligence;
• Distracted Pedestrians;
• Stalled Cars on Track;
• Signalization Defects/Malfunctions;
• Unsafe Railroad Crossings by Inadequate Marking.

Railroad Accident Prevention Tips

While a qualified railroad accident attorney can help you through the legal process of obtaining compensation for serious personal injury, there are ways to help prevent these types of accidents from occurring. Here a just a few:

• Do not assume a track is not in use;
• Do not stop on a railroad track;
• Do not drive around lowered gates;
• Do not walk or play on a train track;
• Do not try to race or outrun a train;
• Be careful and look both ways before crossing a track; and,
• Always keep in mind that trains are unable to perform quick stops;

How Jackel & Phillips Can Help

While the railway is responsible for the safety of its passengers, employees and pedestrians, they may not always come through as required.  There can be many factors involved in personal injury cases arising from a serious or deadly train accident, which is why it is imperative to hire an attorney that is highly knowledgeable in railroad accident litigation. If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in an accident involving a railroad in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, please contact us today for a free consultation. If you have been injured as a pedestrian, passenger or employee of the railroad, we want to help you get the justice you deserve. At Jackel & Phillips, we have an impressive track record of recovery for both verdicts and settlements, because we are passionate about fighting for the victim. Naturally, we are ready to put our skill, dedication to the law and our experience to work for you. Please contact the firm of Jackel & Phillips today.