Missouri, Kansas, and Arizona Train Accident Lawyers
A railroad accident can be devastating, often involving catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death. In spite of the fact that railroad safety has been a concern since the late 1800’s, there are an alarming number of dangerous railroad crossings throughout the United States. Train accidents also commonly result from defective equipment, such as crossing lights, guards, and derailments, or due to crew negligence. In many cases the train crew may be pressured to meet deadlines and may travel through a community at an illegal speed. The crew may fail to sound the horn to warn the train is approaching. Though most railroad employees are very diligent hard workers, head on collisions may occur due to fatigue or drug use. Serving Arizona, Kansas, and Missouri, the train accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Dr. Samuel K. Cullan and Associates have handled many railroad accident cases involving these and other causes. We can help victims understand their rights.
- Train Accident Cases Involving Dangerous Crossings
- Train Accident Investigation
- Contact Our Train Accident Lawyers
- Train Accident FAQs and Consumer Information
Train Accident Cases Involving Dangerous Crossings
Many factors need to be analyzed in evaluating whether a crossing is dangerous. One of the main concerns is whether the railroad company failed to maintain the crossing. In spite of federal and state regulations, many railroad companies have allowed vegetation surrounding the crossing to grow out of control thereby making it difficult for the motorist to see an oncoming train. Other crossings may be dangerous due to the angle at which the road and the track meet. The crossing may be too close to the road. The approach to the track may be obstructed due to the grade of a hill. It may be difficult to see the track in both directions due to a curve or the angle they intersect. Warning signs may be missing or inappropriately placed. The track and crossing (including roughness of track, foliage, and signage) may be in such disrepair that the track appears to be abandoned giving the motorist the impression that they do not need to look for a train. In some cases a railroad, city, or county may have been ordered to make the crossing safer and failed to do so in a timely fashion. If, due to a railroad company's negligence, you or a loved one has been in a Kansas, Missouri, or Arizona train accident, our lawyers can help you get the fair compensation you are entitled to.
Train Accident Investigation
When a train accident occurs, the railroad company immediately dispatches a team of investigators to the scene to protect their interests. Frequently, the railroad company is notified of the wreck before medical personnel, state patrol, or other law enforcement officers are notified. Sometimes, the railroad’s team is onsite before the state patrol or other local law enforcement officers have arrived or concluded their investigation.
It is essential that you quickly have the scene investigated by your own Arizona, Missouri, or Kansas train accident lawyers. Dr. Gene Cullan has extensive training in accident reconstruction, and will work to ensure that evidence is not lost, destroyed, or tampered with. We cannot stress how important it is that the injured person’s family has a team of experts go to the scene of the train accident. Federal law requires trains be equipped with computers (known as "black boxes") that record data regarding the train. This includes but is not limited to speed, time, braking distance, traction, locomotive throttle position, front and end brake pipe pressure, brake pipe reduction, and horn and bell use. There are many types of computer data recorders being used. The information can be extremely important in analyzing why a train accident occurred. Expert testimony from a train accident reconstructionist is mandatory.
Contact Arizona, Missouri, and Kansas Train Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured due to a railroad accident you should immediately seek the advice of competent lawyers to make sure that the evidence is secured and your rights are preserved. There are many state and federal laws and regulations that specifically apply to Arizona, Kansas, and Missouri train accident cases. Our lawyers would be honored to discuss your case with you and help you understand your rights. Please contact our personal injury firm today to learn more.