Phoenix Train Accident Attorneys
Phoenix railroad injury lawyers help you seek justice after a train accident in Arizona
Train accidents may seem like they can’t happen to you, but they are devastating incidents that often result in serious injury or even death to the passengers involved. Trains can derail, collide with vehicles, have a railroad crossing accident, or an accident involving hazardous materials. Many people can be harmed in these accidents, and if you’ve lived through one, you know they are gruesome. Our Phoenix train accident lawyers are here to offer counsel and support.
In Arizona, a personal injury or wrongful death case stemming from a train accident is often complicated, as your legal team must work to determine the cause of the accident, find out who is legally responsible, and ascertain whether the train was operating under specific laws and statutes of limitations. The Phoenix train accident lawyers at Plattner Verderame, P.C. have the skill and experience to handle these complex cases.
How can we help?
- How often do train accidents happen?
- What causes train accidents?
- What are common injuries in a Phoenix train accident?
- FELA claims and injured railroad workers
- Who is liable for my Phoenix train accident and injuries?
- How can your law firm help with my train accident case?
- Do you have a train accident attorney near me?
How often do train accidents happen?
Operation Lifesaver reports there were 2,199 highway-rail grade crossing collisions in 2022, with 273 fatalities and 813 crossing injuries throughout the country.
What causes train accidents?
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, from 2018 to 2021, Arizona has had 30 train accidents. Train accidents can be caused by:
- Poor or negligent maintenance of trains and their equipment on the part of the train company
- Inadequate or defective safety protection devices or equipment at railway crossings, such as warning bells, warning lights, and crossing arms
- Errors made on the part of train employees and operators, such as the failure to properly warn other vehicles of an approaching train by the conductor
- Speeding
- Obstructions that block railroad tracks
- Limited vision
- Derailment
- Collisions with other trains
- Poorly constructed railway crossings
Each of these causes of train accidents is due to some form of negligence. Because they are considered common carriers, train operators and the companies which run them must abide by a specific set or rules and regulations when it comes to safety. Thus, trains are typically required to have a “black box” recording device installed within the locomotive. After an accident, important information, such as speed and use of brakes, is stored within the box.
Suffering after any accident can be difficult, but train accidents can be especially gruesome and traumatic. With expensive medical bills and the possibility of lost limbs, chronic pain, loss of work time or jobs, and emotional distress, you will need experienced legal representation to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. If a loved one has suffered a wrongful death due to a train accident involving Metro Valley, Amtrak, or a scenic railroad excursion like Grand Canyon Railway, we have a compassionate and dedicated team of attorneys to assist you in this turbulent time of need.
What are common injuries in a Phoenix train accident?
A train accident can be a devastating experience, both physically and emotionally. Injuries in a train accident can be severe, and even fatal. Some of the most common injuries in a train accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries are very common in train accidents, as the head is often the first part of the body to come into contact with the ground or other objects in the event of a crash. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can also be common in train accidents, as the spine can be crushed or damaged by the force of the impact. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis and other serious problems.
- Broken bones. Broken bones are also common in train accidents, as the body can be thrown around and subjected to extreme forces. Broken bones can range from minor fractures to severe breaks that require surgery.
- Burns. Burns are also common in train accidents, as the fuel and other materials on the train can ignite. Burns can be very serious and can require extensive medical treatment.
- Internal injuries. Internal injuries can also occur in train accidents, as the organs can be damaged by the force of the impact. Internal injuries can be very serious and can be life-threatening.
- Mental health injuries. Train accidents can also lead to mental health injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a common mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event, such as a train accident. PTSD can cause a variety of symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, nightmares, and flashbacks.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to have them evaluated by a doctor. You should also contact an experienced train accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.
FELA claims and injured railroad workers
Our honest, dependable attorneys are also prepared to take on a train accident injury case with multiple plaintiffs. Although these are typically less common, we take pride in our ability to advocate on behalf of injured railroad workers. Even for singular cases, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) protects railroad employees and workers who move from state to state for interstate commerce. Train companies must provide a workplace that is reasonably free from harm, which includes training and adequate supervision of more junior employees. Additionally, FELA mandates that workers must be free from intentional acts of harm, as well as from unreasonable or excessive work quotas. In the case of wrongful death, the employee’s family can obtain compensatory justice, as well.
Our firm works with honest clients to gather all of the evidence about your train accident and conduct a thorough investigation as we help you craft your case. This investigation and its results will be a crucial part of your representation, as will fully documenting the nature and the extent of your injuries. From there, we will work with you and other experts to create financial projections of how such injuries will affect you and your family in the future. Correctly identifying the responsible parties and advocating for you requires the technical and legal skills and oversight of a dedicated Phoenix train accident attorney.
Who is liable for my Phoenix train accident and injuries?
To determine who is liable for your train accident and injuries, it is important to understand the cause of the accident. Many different parties could be held liable for a train accident, including:
- The railroad company. The railroad company is responsible for maintaining the train tracks, signals, and other equipment in a safe condition. If the accident was caused by a defective train track or signal, the railroad company may be held liable.
- The train operator. The train operator is responsible for operating the train safely. If the accident was caused by the train operator's negligence, such as speeding or failing to stop at a red signal, the train operator may be held liable.
- The manufacturer of the train or train equipment. If the accident was caused by a defective train or train equipment, such as a faulty wheel or brake system, the manufacturer of the train or train equipment may be held liable.
- A third party. If the accident was caused by a third party, such as a vehicle that collided with the train at a railroad crossing, the third party may be held liable.
In some cases, multiple parties may be held liable for a train accident. For example, if the accident was caused by a defective train track and the train operator's negligence, both the railroad company and the train operator could be held liable.
If you have been injured in a train accident, it is important to contact an experienced train accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. Our lawyers can help you investigate the cause of the accident and determine who may be liable for your injuries.
How can your law firm help with my train accident case?
If you've been involved in a train accident and are seeking legal representation, a law firm specializing in personal injury or transportation accidents can provide the following services to help with your case.
The first step is to conduct a thorough evaluation of your case. This includes assessing the facts, gathering evidence, and determining the potential liability of various parties involved, such as the train operator, manufacturer, or other entities.
Our attorneys and investigative teams will work to collect evidence, which may include accident reports, eyewitness statements, expert opinions, and any available video footage or documentation related to the accident.
Identifying who is at fault for the train accident is crucial. We work to establish the negligence or liability of the responsible parties, which could include the train operator, maintenance companies, or government agencies.
Our lawyers will engage in negotiations with insurance companies or the responsible parties to seek a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If a settlement cannot be reached, your law firm will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. This involves preparing legal documents, conducting depositions, and presenting your case to a judge or jury.
If your case goes to trial, we will advocate for you in court, presenting evidence and arguments to support your claims and seeking a favorable judgment.
We also understand the unique challenges and complexities involved. They can anticipate potential issues and develop effective legal strategies tailored to your case. Our goal is to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses, including past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Having legal representation can provide you with peace of mind during a challenging time. You can focus on your recovery while your attorneys handle the legal aspects of your case.
Do you have a Phoenix train accident attorney near me?
At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we meet clients at our Phoenix office located at 316 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85012. We also have a Tempe office located at 5500 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, AZ. Our attorneys can make arrangements to meet clients at their homes or a hospital if they are ill or not mobile.
Trusted representation from knowledgeable Phoenix train accident injury attorneys
The partners at Plattner Verderame, P.C. are board-certified by the Arizona Bar Association Board of Legal Specialization as Specialists in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation, which means we hold ourselves to extremely high standards of advocacy and representation. We have dedicated our lives to providing this top-quality representation, and we strive to make it affordable by taking personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay a thing unless we obtain justice for you via a settlement or verdict in your case. For a confidential consultation, call our offices or complete our contact form.