Train collisions can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. If you or a loved one has been involved in a train collision, it’s essential to seek legal help from an experienced lawyer who specializes in train accident claims. These cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties, regulatory laws, and detailed investigations into the cause of the collision.
Below is an overview of how a lawyer for train collision claims can help and some top law firms with experience in handling these types of cases.
How a Lawyer for Train Collision Claims Can Help
1. Investigating the Collision
Cause Determination: Train collisions can result from a variety of factors such as human error, faulty equipment, poor track maintenance, or unsafe crossing conditions. An experienced lawyer will investigate all aspects of the incident to determine liability.
Evidence Gathering: A lawyer will collect critical evidence such as train data records, accident reports, witness statements, and any video footage of the incident. This will help build a strong case for your claim.
2. Identifying Liable Parties
Railroad Companies: In many cases, railroad companies may be held liable for collisions due to poor maintenance of tracks, failure to follow safety regulations, or negligent behavior by their employees.
Government Agencies: If the collision occurred due to poorly maintained or improperly marked railroad crossings, government entities may be partially responsible for the accident.
Third Parties: In some cases, equipment manufacturers or contractors may be held responsible for defective or poorly designed equipment.
3. Pursuing Compensation
Medical Expenses: An attorney will help ensure that you are compensated for all medical expenses related to the collision, including emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: If you’ve missed work due to injuries, your lawyer will help pursue compensation for lost wages and potential future income if the injuries are long-term.
Pain and Suffering: A lawyer can also help you recover compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
Property Damage: If your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the collision, you may also be able to recover compensation for repairs or replacement.
4. Filing a Lawsuit or Negotiating a Settlement
Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate with the railroad’s insurance company or other parties to secure a fair settlement.
Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take the case to court and advocate for your rights.
5. Handling Legal Complexities
Train collision claims often involve intricate legal issues, including federal and state transportation regulations, personal injury laws, and the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for railroad workers. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure all aspects of the case are properly handled.
Top Law Firms for Train Collision Claims
1. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Location: Chicago, IL
Overview: Romanucci & Blandin is a leading law firm with extensive experience in handling train collision claims. They represent victims of train accidents, including passengers, pedestrians, and railroad workers.
Specialty: Train collisions, derailments, FELA claims, wrongful death
Website: rblaw.net
2. Schlichter Bogard LLC
Location: St. Louis, MO
Overview: Schlichter Bogard has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes for clients involved in train collisions. They specialize in FELA claims and have helped railroad workers recover significant settlements for injuries sustained in train accidents.
Specialty: FELA claims, railroad crossing accidents, catastrophic injuries
Website: uselaws.com
3. Brain Injury Law Center
Location: Nationwide
Overview: The Brain Injury Law Center specializes in representing individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries as a result of train collisions. They focus on catastrophic injury claims and work to secure compensation for long-term care and damages.
Specialty: Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, train collision injuries
Website: brain-injury-law-center.com
4. Martin & Jones, PLLC
Location: Raleigh, NC
Overview: Martin & Jones has extensive experience in personal injury law and represents victims of train accidents, including those injured in collisions. They have a proven history of securing significant settlements for their clients.
Specialty: Train crash injuries, FELA claims, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries
Website: martinandjones.com
5. Hoey & Farina, P.C.
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Hoey & Farina has over 50 years of experience in handling railroad accident cases, including train collisions. They specialize in FELA claims and have secured favorable settlements for railroad workers and passengers.
Specialty: FELA claims, train derailments, passenger injuries, wrongful death
Website: hoeyfarina.com
6. Wettermark Keith Personal Injury Lawyers
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Overview: Wettermark Keith has represented clients involved in train collisions, securing millions in settlements for those affected by catastrophic train accidents. Their attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case.
Specialty: Train collisions, passenger injuries, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury claims
Website: wkfirm.com
Steps to Take After a Train Collision
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Even if you don’t immediately feel injured, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional as some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Document the Scene: If you’re able to, take pictures or videos of the accident scene. Collect witness statements and any available evidence, as this will help your lawyer build a strong case.
Contact a Lawyer: It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and options. A train collision attorney can guide you through the claims process and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
File a Claim: Your lawyer will assist in filing the necessary legal claims, whether through FELA, personal injury, or wrongful death suits.
Follow Legal Advice: Your lawyer will guide you through every step of the process, from negotiations to litigation, ensuring that your best interests are protected.
Conclusion
Train collisions can result in severe injuries and extensive property damage. Whether you are a passenger, railroad worker, or pedestrian, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from a lawyer who specializes in train accident claims. The law firms listed above have extensive experience and can help you navigate the complexities of train collision claims, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.