Railroad Crossing Injuries

Each year, thousands of accidents occur at railroad crossings throughout the United States.  Because the nature of these accidents, they usually result in serious injury or death, and often involve children.  When an accident occurs at a railroad crossing, railway companies often blame inattentive drivers who saw the train coming and tried, but failed, to make it through the crossing before the train arrived.  However, in many cases, the railway company is at fault.  These cases are complex and require an experienced team of attorneys who understand the local, state, and federal laws that govern railroad operation.

In general, railroad companies and their employees have a duty to take reasonable steps to make railroad crossings safe from dangers and implement warning systems to inform drivers, oncoming pedestrians, and bicyclists when trains are approaching a crossing.  These measures include having and maintaining lights and gates that activate when a train is nearby.  If you or a loved one has suffered an injury because a railway has been negligent in implementing or maintaining these safety and warning procedures, you may be able to recover from the railway.  You might even be able to recover if the railroad knew a danger at a crossing existed and did nothing to fix it or notify the public about it. 

Other potential causes of railroad crossing accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The train exceeding locally or state-imposed speed limits in place for trains traveling through cities, across roadways, or near residential areas
• Negligent, overly fatigued, or improperly trained employees and conductors
• Poorly maintained, outdated, or defective train equipment
• Conductor's failure to use a horn or whistle
• Failure to pay attention to plant growth or curves in the track that could obstruct vision

Over 175 Years of Experience in Railroad Cases

With over 175 years of combined experience representing clients in personal injury cases involving railroads and railroad employees, we are in a unique position to help those who have suffered injuries at railroad crossings.  Our experienced investigators have worked for railroad companies, and they fully understand how they operate and practice.  If you or a loved one has been injured at a railroad crossing, few law firms in the Midwest are able to provide the level of legal expertise offered by our firm.  To schedule a free initial consultation regarding your case, contact Harrington, Thompson, Acker & Harrington, Ltd. today.