I. Overview
II. Accidents: Vehicle/Pedestrian Crossings
III. Accidents: Passenger Accidents and Derailments
IV. Accidents: Worker Injuries
V. FELA In Detail
VI. Safety: Vehicle Crossings
VII. Safety: Pedestrian Crossings
VIII. Extra-Hazardous Crossings
IX. Internet Resources

Overview

There are more than 100,000 miles of rail line throughout the United States. While passenger use has declined, rail transportation still plays a vital role in shipping freight and goods. While rail transportation is vital to the economy, it comes at a heavy cost. Thousands of workers suffer at-work injury or death while employed by railroads annually. Passenger accidents, while rare, have the potential to cause severe harm. Most importantly, a train strikes a vehicle or pedestrian at a crossing at an average rate of once every two hours. Not only do these accidents injure and kill those struck by the train, but they can cause derailments and injure or kill the train crews and passengers as well.

Railroad injury law is complex. A lawsuit for damages incurred through a train accident has varying chances at success, depending on the type of accident and the relationship between the railroad and the person injured. These factors determine which laws govern a lawsuit. If you or a loved one has been injured by a train, you should consult with a personal injury attorney with experience in train accidents.

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