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

Accidents: Passenger Accidents and Derailments

Passenger railroads are required to provide transportation to anyone who pays the fare, and are therefore common carriers. As common carriers, they have an obligation to protect their passengers and warn them of any known hazards. They must also protect passengers from potential danger while embarking or disembarking, between railroad cars, and within their train compartments. In addition, railroads are required to protect passengers from injury by third parties (such as other passengers) while in their care.

Railroads are also liable for injuries or deaths caused by derailment. While these accidents are rare, when they do occur they can cause catastrophic injuries to passengers and those nearby. In these cases, courts judge the railroad’s responsibility under negligence law, and apply standards similar to crossing accidents.

Back to Top