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Trains offer a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to commuting or traveling by car. However, trains are also massive, fast-moving vehicles capable of causing catastrophic damage and life-altering injuries. If you were hurt in an accident involving an Amtrak or other train, an experienced DC train accident lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation.
The Washington, D.C., train accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison have extensive experience helping clients recover compensation for their physical and emotional injuries. Our firm has fought on behalf of injury victims for over a century, and we are ready to give you the advocacy and support you need at this challenging time. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
What Are Common Types of Train Accidents?
Train accidents can take many forms, from relatively minor derailments to devastating collisions.
Some of the most common types of train accidents in Washington DC include:
- Train-to-train collisions – When two trains collide, the results can be catastrophic due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. These accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Train-to-car collisions – Collisions between trains and automobiles most frequently occur at railroad crossings. Malfunctioning crossing gates, poor visibility, or driver error often cause these accidents.
- Derailments – When a train leaves the tracks, passengers can be violently thrown about, resulting in severe injuries. Train derailments are often the result of issues with the tracks, such as broken rails or obstacles on the tracks.
- Onboard injuries – Even without a collision or derailment, passengers can sustain injuries while riding a train. Sudden stops, turbulence, or unsecured objects can cause passengers to fall or be struck by flying debris.
What Can Cause Train Accidents?
Train accidents can have many causes, but some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Human error – Train operators are responsible for controlling the speed and direction of the train. If an operator is tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may make mistakes that lead to collisions.
- Mechanical failures – Trains are complex machines that require regular maintenance. If a train component fails while the train is moving, it can cause the train to derail or collide with another object.
- Track defects – Rail operators must properly maintain their tracks to ensure safe operation. Broken rails, misaligned tracks, or debris on the tracks can cause derailments or other types of accidents.
- Signal malfunctions – Trains rely on signals to know when it is safe to go. If a signal malfunctions, it can cause two trains to collide or a train to derail.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Washington, D.C., Train Accident?
Determining liability in a train accident case can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved.
Some of the parties that may be held liable for a D.C. train accident include:
- Train operators – If the train operator’s negligence caused the accident, they may be liable for resulting losses.
- Train companies – Train companies are responsible for ensuring their trains are properly maintained and operated. If a company’s negligence contributed to an accident, it may be held responsible.
- Track owners – The owner of the tracks the train was operating on may be at fault if a track defect caused the accident.
- Train manufacturers – If a defect in the train itself caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable under product liability laws.
An experienced train accident attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine all potentially liable parties and help you pursue compensation from those responsible.
What Damages Might I Be Owed from My Train Accident?
Suffering train accident injuries can cause overwhelming pain, financial turmoil, and emotional trauma. Filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party can allow you to pursue compensation for injury-related losses such as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital visits, diagnostic tests and scans, surgical procedures, assistive devices, and physical therapy
- Lost income due to missed time at work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you lost a loved one in a train accident, an attorney can help you file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for losses stemming from their death. Consult a skilled legal professional for an informed estimate of how much your train accident case might be worth. Contact our Washington DC train accident lawyer today.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Train Accident Lawsuit in D.C.?
The District of Columbia’s statute of limitations for personal injuries, including those related to train accident cases, requires claimants to file a lawsuit within three years of the accident date. Consulting a knowledgeable D.C. train accident attorney can help ensure you do not jeopardize your right to compensation by missing any crucial deadlines.
Why Do I Need a Train Accident Lawyer?
Filing a train accident claim is a complex process. Working with a knowledgeable attorney is essential for the following reasons:
- Legal complexity – Filing a lawsuit for a train accident, especially one involving an Amtrak train, requires a thorough knowledge and understanding of complex legislation.
- Calculating losses – Many accident victims do not recognize the full extent of their losses. An experienced attorney can help you calculate the total value of your claim.
- Negotiations with the insurer – Insurance adjusters are often unwilling to take claims when an injured individual represents themselves. An attorney can provide the necessary negotiation skills to demand the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Courtroom representation – If the at-fault party’s insurance company won’t offer you a fair settlement, your attorney can fight for your rights in court.
Contact a Washington, D.C., Train Accident Lawyer
Life after a train accident can feel unrecognizable. However, it is crucial to remember that you have legal options. A successful personal injury claim can help you demand the compensation you need to move forward with your life. The train accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison have the experience, skills, and knowledge to make the claims process as efficient and effective as possible while giving you and your case the individual attention you deserve. Contact our Washington DC personal injury attorney today to arrange a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
