Crossing Collisions
Crossing Collisions
Why Do I Need an Experienced FELA Lawyer if I am Involved in a Crossing Collision?
Far too often, railroad crossing collisions result in serious injury, and even death. More than one party is often at fault in these dangerous situations, and the road to ensuring full compensation for you and your loved ones can be legally complex. You need an experienced railroad injury lawyer on your side.
The trucking defendants are often primarily responsible. Where a truck driver tries to “beat the train” and/or becomes stuck on a “hump crossing” and causes a collision, both the trucking defendants and railroad can be at fault.
The railroad’s duty to provide you with a reasonably safe place to work under the FELA does not end at a railroad crossing. Increasingly, railroads are failing to properly and safely repair their crossings. Where a crossing was once level, railroads often build the crossing up with cheap asphalt or other discounted material, causing the crossing to elevate and become a “hump” crossing. Once the crossing becomes elevated, big trucks can have difficulty clearing the crossing, ultimately resulting in a collision with an oncoming train.
Railroad crossings have other dangerous features that can cause a collision such as inadequate signals and signage, faulty equipment, and overgrown vegetation that obstructs visibility at the crossing.
The railroad and trucking defendants in crossing collision cases will be represented by separate lawyers who will have both their individual, and a joint or team strategy dedicated to preventing you from being fully compensated for your injuries and damages.
What Information Is Important If I am Involved In a Crossing Collision?
Truck drivers may attempt to leave the scene of a collision- making it important that if you are physically able to- document and/or record all information you can.
The name of the truck driver, the name of the trucking company and DOT number on the side of the cab, and the first responders who arrive at the scene of the collision will all be crucial in moving quickly and preserving evidence most important to your case.
Witness names and information, if any, are also very helpful in a successful crossing collision case. Witnesses may have cell phone video that shows the impact or other features of the collision that help a jury appreciate the severity of the impact.
Our experienced railroad crossing collision team understands how important it is to properly identify and preserve the trucking and locomotive data and video that will lead to maximum recovery for you and your loved ones. Our team understands the hard work required in ensuring that you and your loved ones receive maximum recovery for your injuries.
Crossing collisions can cause serious injury and death. We are here to help you navigate these complex, and stressful cases.