You can't beat the train. Trains are not able to stop quickly and rarely can the weight of a train be stopped within one third of a mile. But railroads continue to be vital to the American economy with hundreds of railroad companies on thousands of miles of track carrying passengers, shipping freight and carrying hazardous materials. If you'd like to contact us about an injury please go here.

But what are the costs? The potential of producing catastrophic injuries and deaths are high and the most shocking number of injuries or deaths occur at railroad crossings. Railroad crossings can pose significant threats to people. These types of collisions most often occur in rural areas and at crossings without gates but they also happen in cities with gates and signals.

Why?

Although trains have the right of way at crossings. Recent studies and analysis show the railroad industry has often failed to maintain the crossings and warning signals as required by law. A motorist must interpret warning signs, watch for dangerous conditions, listen for train whistles, determine if trains are approaching and estimate trains speeds. Train accidents happen for many reasons. Instances of a railroad company's or its employee negligence may include the following:

• Crossings may have sight obstructions (trees, buildings, etc.) and the train's operator and motorist have a limited or obstructed view of the crossing or each other.
• Poor maintenance of vegetative growth
• Warning signs may be missing
• Warning signals and defective or poorly maintained
• Faulty, inadequate or deficient crossing gates
• Insufficient or ineffective auditory warning systems and whistles of an approaching train
• In many areas, railroads do not install gates or warning lights
• Trains approaching crossings without lights on and horn sounding
• Mechanical error

Railroads are responsible for maintaining crossings and when they are not properly maintained, accidents will happen. We have experience with claims and litigation against railroad companies. They are complex due to the many regulations governing their operation and maintenance. Contact us to discuss the merits of your case.