| America’s railroads are experiencing
increasing levels of traffic, with transportation of both
freight and of passengers on the rise. A major consequence of
this demand is an increased potential for accidents,
particularly at railroad crossings. The accidents that occur at
the more than 250,000 railroad crossings located throughout the
United States are extremely serious and frequently result in
catastrophic injuries or fatalities. In addition to motor
vehicle injuries, such accidents can result in derailments and
in hazardous materials being released into the environment.
There are approximately 4,353 public crossings in Pennsylvania
and 3,166 private crossings. At Munley, Munley, & Cartwright,
P.C., our experienced Pennsylvania railroad crossing lawyers
have the resources to represent victims of railroad crossing
accidents throughout the United States. We have been
successfully representing clients injured in a variety of
personal injury accidents since 1980.
There are countless reasons why railroad crossing accidents
occur. One reason is that motor vehicle drivers do not realize
that trains cannot stop quickly. For example, a 150-car freight
train traveling 50 miles per hour takes 8,000 feet (or 1.5
miles) to stop. An 8-car passenger train traveling 79 miles per
hour takes 6,000 feet (or 1 1/8 miles) to stop. Of course,
inattentive motor vehicle drivers are only one cause of railroad
crossing accidents.
Sometimes, railroad companies are negligent in providing
adequate warning systems. All railroad crossing safety equipment
must be properly maintained to ensure the safety of train
passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. If any of the railroad
crossing signs, signals, lights or gates are not functioning
adequately, they must be repaired immediately by the railroad
company. Additionally, railroad companies may be held liable for
improper maintenance, improper installation of
federally-approved crossing equipment, or improper care of such
equipment.
In addition to knowing your legal rights when it comes to
train accidents, you can avoid being involved in an accident by
practicing caution at any train crossing. Trains are required to
have headlights and loud horns by federal law so you’ll know
when a train is coming. Tips to ensure railroad crossing safety
include:
- Do not walk or drive any vehicle on or near rails or
climb on railroad cars.
- When crossing the railroad tracks on foot, always cross
at the highway-rail grade crossing and obey all signs and
signals.
- Never drive or walk around gates or flashing red lights.
- Expect a train on any track at any time.
- Do not get trapped on a highway-rail grade crossing.
- Get out of your vehicle if it stalls on a crossing. If a
train is coming, quickly move away from the tracks in the
direction from which the train is approaching.
$f you or a loved one has been seriously injured as the
result of a railroad crossing accident in Pennsylvania, please
contact the Family of Lawyers at Munley, Munley, & Cartwright,
P.C., to discuss your train accident case. You may be able to
file a claim to recover your losses, including medical expenses,
property damage, loss of current and future earnings, loss of
future enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. The goal of
the Pennsylvania train accident law firm of Munley, Munley, &
Cartwright, P.C., is to provide exceptional legal services to
our clients. For a free consultation regarding your legal
concerns, please fill out this
evaluation form or call us toll-free at 1-800-346-7401. |
