New York City Train Accidents & Injuries
Train accidents are more common than you’d expect. The US Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) shows that on average, there are over 1,850 train accidents in the U.S. every year. Let us review your circumstances, explain your rights after a train accident, and make sure you get everything you need and deserve.
Train Accidents in New York
Various physical and human components come into play in any railroad accident, which makes these cases so complex. Potential victims in a train crash can include passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and pedestrians, among others. Also, there several types of incidents and contributing factors that could lead to bodily harm, including but not limited to:
- Multiple Trains Colliding;
- Train derailment
- Auto-train collision at railroad crossings;
- A person slipping or falling on the tracks;
- A passenger falling while in transit due to abrupt stops;
- Illness or infection from unsanitary conditions aboard the train;
- Unsecured equipment or load accidents
- Rolling Stock failures
- Buffer stock accidents
Due to their size, speed, and sometimes hazardous cargos, train accidents are more likely to cause extensive damage and catastrophes injuries. Whether it is a train derailment or serious collision, many train accidents stem from:
- Faulty equipment at gates and crossings;
- Defective signal functions;
- Failure to use lights and horns at crossings;
- Negligent Operation / Human Error
- Obstructions on the tracks;
- Objects hanging from the sides or back of a train car; and,
- Shifting or Improperly Secured Cargo.
Common Train Accident Injuries
While many train accidents are preventable, people are still being injured every year. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our train accident lawyers can help you gather the facts, determine what caused your accident, document your injuries, and fight for the compensation you are legally entitled to after any of the following.
A New York Train Accident Lawyer Can Help
Claims involving train injuries are complicated for a variety of reasons. It’s in your best interests to retain a lawyer to assist with getting the compensation you deserve, and who can help with:
- Investigations fault and liability;
- Determining the parties who should be held accountable;
- Working with relevant public and private entities to file your claim;
- Negotiating a fair, reasonable amount to compensate you for your losses; and,
- Initiating litigation as necessary to ensure you obtain all the damages you’re entitled to by law.
Train Accident Claims & the Parties Involved
Train collision claims are generally made complicated by the nature and number of the parties who may be responsible for causing the incident. It may be obvious who to pursue after an Amtrak accident, a NYC train crash, or collision with regional carriers because these parties are typically easy to identify and as owner-operators, are entrusted with maintaining a safe train travel experience.
However, each of the potential parties involved may require a different process for filing a train accident claim. Railroad and transit companies are either public or private. As such, the procedures and laws regarding how you may file an injury claim against public entities differ from traditional personal injury claims involving private companies. Your case can also become complex if other organizations are involved that are associated with the railroad industry. Examples include:
- The agency or organization charged with maintaining tracks, crossings, signals, barricades, gate barriers, and other components;
- The employer of the train operator and crew;
- A manufacturer of train components, such as steering, braking, hydraulics, wheels, and connection equipment.
