If you’ve been involved in a train crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, and any other losses resulting from the accident. Train crashes can involve complex legal matters, so it’s essential to seek legal representation from a skilled attorney who specializes in train accident cases.
Below is a guide on how legal help can assist victims of train crashes and some of the top law firms experienced in handling these cases.
How Train Crash Lawyers Can Help
1. Investigating the Cause of the Crash
Cause Determination: Train crashes can be caused by multiple factors such as faulty equipment, human error, signal malfunctions, or poor maintenance of tracks. A lawyer will investigate these aspects by obtaining accident reports, reviewing train data, and consulting with experts to determine the cause.
Gathering Evidence: Your lawyer will gather evidence such as witness testimonies, video footage, and expert reports to build a strong case.
2. Navigating Complex Legal Issues
Train accident cases often involve complex legal frameworks, such as the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for railroad workers or personal injury laws for passengers. FELA allows railroad workers to sue their employers for negligence.
Your lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and ensure that you pursue the correct legal course of action, whether it involves filing a FELA claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or a wrongful death suit.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may attempt to offer you a low settlement. A skilled lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you are compensated fairly for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the crash.
4. Representing You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court. They will advocate for you in front of a judge and jury to pursue full compensation.
5. Securing Compensation
Medical Bills: Your lawyer will work to recover compensation for your medical expenses related to the train crash, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Lost Wages: If the accident resulted in lost income, your lawyer will seek compensation for wages you would have earned had the accident not occurred.
Pain and Suffering: In addition to financial losses, your lawyer will also pursue compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages.
Top Law Firms for Train Crash Legal Help
1. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Location: Chicago, IL
Overview: Known for their success in train accident cases, Romanucci & Blandin has helped many victims of train crashes. They specialize in personal injury and wrongful death claims resulting from train accidents.
Specialty: Train collisions, derailments, FELA claims, passenger injuries
Website: rblaw.net
2. Schlichter Bogard LLC
Location: St. Louis, MO
Overview: This law firm is experienced in handling large-scale railroad accident cases, including train collisions and derailments. They have achieved significant verdicts for injured railroad workers under FELA.
Specialty: FELA claims, railroad crossing accidents, train crash injuries
Website: uselaws.com
3. Brain Injury Law Center
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Specializing in brain and spinal cord injuries, this firm focuses on serious injuries caused by train crashes. They work to secure compensation for catastrophic injuries and hold responsible parties accountable.
Specialty: Catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Website: brain-injury-law-center.com
4. Martin & Jones, PLLC
Location: Raleigh, NC
Overview: Martin & Jones has over 20 years of experience handling FELA and personal injury cases, including train accidents. They have helped numerous railroad workers and passengers recover compensation for injuries sustained in train crashes.
Specialty: Train accidents, FELA claims, wrongful death, serious injuries
Website: martinandjones.com
5. Hoey & Farina, P.C.
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Hoey & Farina has represented victims in numerous train accident cases, securing favorable verdicts and settlements. They specialize in FELA claims and have a proven track record in securing compensation for railroad workers.
Specialty: FELA claims, train derailments, passenger injuries
Website: hoeyfarina.com
Steps to Take After a Train Crash
Seek Medical Attention: The first priority is to get medical help, even if you don’t feel immediately injured. Some injuries from train crashes, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be apparent right away.
Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the train or property. This evidence will help your lawyer.
Contact a Train Accident Attorney: Once you have received medical attention, contact a lawyer who specializes in train accidents. They can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
File a Claim: Your lawyer will assist in filing the necessary claims, whether it’s through FELA or personal injury law.
Consider Your Options: Depending on the circumstances of the crash, your attorney may advise you to settle with the railroad or pursue a trial.
Conclusion
Train crashes can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. If you or a loved one has been involved in a train crash, seeking legal representation from a specialized attorney is critical. The law firms listed above are experts in handling train accident cases and can help guide you through the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve. Whether you are filing a personal injury claim, a FELA lawsuit, or pursuing compensation for wrongful death, a train crash lawyer can provide the support you need.