Edward J. Hershewe Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

When we think of railroad accidents, we think of very dramatic events like two trains colliding with each other and derailing with passengers onboard. But in reality, there are many kinds of train accidents that can occur as well as circumstances that cause them.

Numerous accidents are caused by dangers inherent in the railroad industry. Railroad workers often sustain injuries on worksites like railyards and repair shops run by railroad companies.

Railroad accidents cause injuries

These injuries are often caused by the negligence or recklessness of others, such as employers or coworkers. Or they result from violations of OSHA workplace safety laws. Also, if the worker was handling faulty tools at the time of the railroad accident, product liability law may apply as well. The most common railroad accidents that injure workers include the following:

• Fires
• Slip and falls
• Exposure to toxic materials
• Crushing and compression incidents
• Electrocutions
• Operating heavy machinery
• Explosions

Injured railroad workers and the surviving family members of those killed on the job can seek compensation for their losses through FELA, the Federal Employers Liability Act. When railroad workers are injured on the job, the railroad accident attorneys at the Hershewe Law Firm, P.C. can use FELA to get them the compensation they deserve.

Railroad crossing accidents are prevalent

Another major cause of railroad accidents is failing to respect warning signs and safety devices at highway-rail grade crossings. These are locations where public and private roads crossover railroad tracks at the same level. And while most of these intersections are equipped with flashing lights or automated gates, railroad crossing accidents are very common and cause catastrophic injuries or death.

Federal Railroad Administration statistics tell just how dangerous highway-rail crossings are:

While railroad crossing accidents represented fewer than 20 percent of all train accidents, they accounted for more than 90 percent of the fatalities.

Use caution near train tracks

Accidents also occur near train tracks. Unfortunately, in many cases, injuries or death result from children walking or playing near the tracks. The vast majority of accidents near highway-rail crossings and train tracks are considered preventable. Here are some safety precautions that motorists and pedestrians can take to prevent railroad accidents:

• Do not ignore warning signs, flashing lights, or barriers
• Never assume that no train is coming just because you do not see one
• Do not attempt to run alongside a moving train
• Never drive around a lowered crossing gate
• Do not allow children to play near train engines, cars or tracks
• Be sure to look both ways before crossing over train tracks

Consult our railroad accident attorneys today

The Hershewe Law Firm, P.C. urges everyone to use caution and respect the power of trains. But if you or a loved one is injured as a result of a train accident, the railroad accident attorneys at the Hershewe Law Firm, P.C. have the skill and experience necessary to take on the railroad companies and their insurers to get you the compensation you deserve.

The Hershewe Law Firm, P.C. understands railroad accident laws and how to use them to fight for you. Call 877-382-9734 or contact us online today for a free consultation about your case.