Minneapolis railroad crossings are very dangerous and often present the potential for devastating collisions. The railroad system of the United States includes over 200,000 miles of track, 1.2 million freight cars and 20,000 locomotives. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, approximately 3,000 train accidents occur annually in the U.S., claiming over 1,000 lives every year.
Although serious railroad crossing accidents occur most often in rural area and at crossings that do not have electric signals and gates, they also occur in the city and at crossings that do have signals and gates. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that 60% of all crossing fatalities occur at unprotected crossings and that approximately 80% of all public railroad crossings are not protected by warning lights and safety guides.
In the experience of Minneapolis railroad crossing accident lawyers Walker Law Office, P.A., a deadly railroad crossing collision can occur almost anywhere.
Causes of Railroad Accidents in Minneapolis
The most common types of railroad accidents are collisions with other trains, collisions with passenger vehicles and train derailment. These dangerous railroad accidents can be caused by many different factors, including:
- Failure to properly mark the railroad crossing
- Failure to put up safety gates
- Failure to sound proper warning whistles
- Improper maintenance of a railroad crossing
- Improperly maintained tracks
- Failure to ensure clear visibility
- Mechanical failure or defects
- Driver inexperience or fatigue
Minneapolis Railroad Accident Laws
When a railroad or train accident does occur, there are laws that govern whether or not the carrier is liable. The application of these laws is not easy; there are many variables which determine if the railroad company was at fault and could have prevented the accident and resulting injuries by exercising the proper care and maintenance. Furthermore, even if a carrier is found liable, there are still more factors to consider as to what percentage of liability they will have to assume.
Because of the complexity of the law, only the experience and legal expertise of a Minneapolis railroad accident attorney can sort through all the information related to a railroad crossing collision and determine who is liable for your injuries.
Contact Us
Minneapolis railroad companies have well-funded legal teams working to shield them from liability in the event of a train accident. Shouldn’t you have a Minneapolis railroad crossing accident lawyer working for you?
For more information on railroad crossing accidents and a free consultation with our experienced and professional staff, call Walker Law Office, P.A. at (612) 821-0094, (214) 550-3333 or email walker@walkerjustice.com.