Jaroslawicz & Jaros represents victims of rail transportation accidents. If you or a loved one was involved in train accident, be sure to contact a New York City train accident lawyer at our firm. Our firm has successfully handled a wide range of claims against the MTA, Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Amtrak. Trains are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). When engineers, maintenance workers or transit authorities fail to abide by these regulations, serious accidents can occur. According to the FRA, there are nearly 2,000 train accidents in the U.S. annually. More than 70 percent of those accidents are derailments.
We have successfully represented victims of Amtrak accidents, as well as victims of subway derailments.
Train Derailments
Train derailments typically occur when a train is traveling at too great a speed, brakes are not properly applied, by defects in the track or when a train collides with something on the track. Derailments of passenger and/or commuter trains typically result in numerous injuries and often the death of some passengers. Derailments are completely avoidable and are caused by the negligent and careless actions of railroad operators.
Common Causes Of Train And Railroad Accidents
According to accident reporting and investigations conducted by the FRA as well as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the most common cause of train accidents is human error which accounts for 36 percent of all rail accidents. Track defects cause 34 percent of all accidents, “miscellaneous” factors account for 17 percent of all train accidents, equipment defects account for 12 percent and signal defects 2 percent.
Human Error
About 34 percent of all train accidents are caused by human error. In a majority of cases, this involves the engineer failing to comply with restricted speeds or brake when necessary, and other avoidable engineer mistakes.
Improper Railroad Maintenance
The track must be properly maintained to avoid serious accidents and derailments. Crossties must be in place, switches must be accurately lined and other track components must be constantly monitored so that worn or broken parts can be replaced.
Signal Defects
The electrical systems that control the railroad signals must be in good working order to ensure safe train operation. This includes railroad crossing gates, flashing warning lights and related signals.
Train Equipment Defects
A large number of accidents take place because the train itself was not in good working order. Regular maintenance of a train’s complex mechanical and electrical systems is essential.
FRA And NTSB Accident Investigations
The FRA and in some instances the NTSB investigate metro, subway, light rail and other types of train accidents to determine what caused the accident and if any disciplinary or remediating measures are necessary. Typically, the FRA will investigate any train collision or derailment that resulted in at least one fatality or injury to a person, including both passengers and crew members.
You Need Jaroslawicz & Jaros!
At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, we have obtained the confidence of our clients. Since 1980, our firm has represented thousands of individuals and obtained more than $1 Billion in verdicts and settlements, with hundreds of clients receiving $1 Million or more in compensation. We also have extensive experience dealing specifically with train and railroad accidents. You owe it to yourself to retain a qualified attorney to handle your case.
If you or someone you love was injured in a train or railroad accident involving the MTA, Metro North, Amtrak or any other rail system, please do not hesitate to contact a New York City personal injury lawyer at Jaroslawicz & Jaros today for a free consultation. Call Jaroslawicz & Jaros in New York at . You can also reach us by filling out our online questionnaire. Contact us today. We can help.
