When you take an Amtrak train to go to work or to take a trip, the last thing you’d expect is to be involved in an accident. Every day, thousands of people step into this widely-known transportation service hoping to get to their destination safely. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. While they are statistically less common than car accidents, train accidents happen more frequently than you might expect. The devastating outcomes of train accidents cause pain and suffering to victims and their families every year. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA, we will uphold your rights as an injury victim and fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. For more information about your case call Miami Amtrak accident lawyer Prosper Shaked today at (305) 694-2676.
Common Causes of Train Accidents
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), nearly 7,200 train accidents happened from 2014 to 2017. The FRA has also stated that there have been almost 900 train accidents so far during 2018. With so many incidents, you may wonder what the leading causes of train accidents are. The following is a list of the most common causes of train crashes.
Unsafe Train Tracks
Keeping the tracks in optimal condition is essential to avoiding train accidents. This means making sure all necessary components along the track are updated and in good condition. The FRA has clear guidelines detailing the requirements for train track construction. However, many train companies may forget all components on a track are prone to wear and tear, especially when it comes to a high traffic transportation system such as Amtrak. Additionally, failing to repair a broken rail could lead to a train derailment.
Human Error
Driver error plays a significant role in most Amtrak accidents. Often, train accidents can be traced back to the negligent actions of a driver. According to the FRA, from 2014 to 2017, more than 2,000 train accidents were related to human error. However, negligence could also fall on the shoulders of train manufacturers and Amtrak as a company.
Speeding
Excess speed is also a common cause of train accidents. Trains traveling at high speeds are likelier to derail, especially if there are defects on the track or debris along the train’s path. Derailments often lead to devastating injuries and death.
Signal and Lighting Malfunctions
Lighting and train signals are essential in preventing train and bystander accidents. Much like traffic lights, train signals exist for safety. Railroad crossing signals play an essential role in notifying people of any danger or warning vehicles approaching a train crossing. Additionally, proper lighting is required on all train platforms. Poor lighting or lack thereof could lead to a personal injury accident.
There are many other causes of train accidents. However, the ones mentioned above represent some of the leading reasons for Amtrak accidents.
Common Injuries in Amtrak Accidents
Individuals can sustain a wide range of injuries stemming from a train accident. While some of these injuries can be mild, others can put the injury victim’s life in danger. Here are some of the most common injuries individuals can sustain during an Amtrak accident:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are common in train accidents. Sudden stopping or acceleration can cause a person to trip and fall. Massive head trauma can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Common types of TBI include concussions and contusions. Common symptoms of head injuries include dizziness, headaches, vomiting, mood swings, and other physical and behavioral issues.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are also common in Amtrak accidents. Some of the most common types of back injuries include slipped or herniated discs and spinal cord injuries. Most back injuries require medical assistance, rehabilitation, and, in severe cases, surgery. The costs associated with back injury recovery can amount to thousands of dollars.
Broken Bones
Bone fractures are extremely painful and hard to deal with. Some people can suffer breaks if they get an arm or leg pinned or trapped by a train door. Additionally, they could experience a broken bone in the hand due to a fall inside of a poorly maintained train. The healing process in broken bone injury cases can be slow, painful, and costly.
Amtrak Accident Attorney Serving Miami
Many of the injuries Amtrak accident injury victims face are due to another party’s negligence. If you or a family member was injured on a Miami Amtrak train, contact our office immediately. Amtrak accident lawyer Prosper Shaked fights for the rights of injured victims and the compensation they deserve for their losses. Keep in mind you have a limited time to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. If you miss this opportunity, you may be left without legal recourse. To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676.