Derailment: How Does it Happen and Can I File Suit?

Derailment happens for many reasons, causing serious injuries and sometimes even fatalities in its wake. It may happen due to a technical issue, cracks or gaps in the rails, human error, or even obstructions lying on the railway tracks. This is why there is a common misconception that a coin placed on train tracks could derail an entire train – however, because of the small size of the coin, its size is not significant enough to make this happen. All tales aside, derailments really do happen for a wide variety of reasons and will always be serious.

Derailments have actually been the cause of some of the worst train accidents that have ever occurred in history. In many cases, a train will roll onto its side and cause many injuries to passengers. The Federal Railroad Administration has found that derailments have actually increased in recent years, as far as data shows. In fact, over the years, there have been found to be two derailments in 2012, three in 2013, six in 2014, and nine in 2015. A lack of interest in funding rail transportation may be to blame for many of the accidents that happen on the popular Amtrak trains.

Lawsuits

In 2013, an engineer fell asleep at the controls of a Metro-North train and four people were killed. However, because he was suffering from sleep apnea and did not know it, he filed a lawsuit to cover his injuries. Many victims involved in the accident have also filed lawsuits against the company, claiming that negligence was at play. Regardless of how the derailment happened, you may have a case if negligence was involved and you suffered injuries as a result. Train companies owe passengers a duty of care, and we can help you receive the compensation you deserve if you did not receive this care. Call us today.