Personal Injuries Caused by Train Accidents
Choosing a Massachusetts Train Accident Attorney

There are over 600 railroads and 200,000 miles of track in the United States. In 2002, there were approximately 12,000 accidents caused by trains, and almost 1,000 people were killed. Many of these accidents were due to the negligence of the railway company, but accidents can also be caused by the negligence of motor vehicle operators, who fail to yield at railway crossings. Many accidents are caused by inspection and maintenance violations. Railroad companies and commuter rail lines, including the MBTA and the MBCR, are considered common carriers and as such they are held to heightened liability standards by the Federal and state government. A common carrier is generally required to exercise the utmost care, diligence and vigilance in transporting passengers.

Passengers riding on trains are entitled to a very high duty of care from the operator of the train line. If you are injured because of the negligence of the conductor or the engineer, then the train company is liable for your injuries. Unfortunately, many train companies do not readily accept responsibility for their negligence.

Train accidents can involve locomotives, MBTA commuter rail, or local light rail systems. They can happen at crossings where the safety equipment fails or at unprotected crossings where there are no lights or signals to indicate an oncoming train to passenger vehicles. Trains can derail due to improper track maintenance or mechanical failure. Driver fatigue can contribute to train and railway accidents. Train accidents can also lead to hazardous cargo spills, which can injure or kill nearby residents.

The personal injury attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck can handle claims for railroad accidents, including:

• Derailment of train cars
• Collisions of freight trains and passenger trains
• MBTA accidents
• MBCR accidents
• Runaway freight cars
• Improperly parked train cars
• Negligent railway maintenance
• Negligent security at trains or railroad stations
• Commuter rail and light rail accidents
• Sudden train movements
• Wrongful death
• Inadequate maintenance of rail terminals
• Failure to warn of safety hazards
• On the job accidents
• Negligence in railroad crossing design and maintenance
• Failure to warn of low-bed truck hazards at crossings
• Negligence of conductors or engineers
• Illness on trains

What To Do If You Have a Accident Involving a Train

Immediate investigation and preservation of evidence is often a critical element in proving a personal injury case involving train accidents. Investigation involves examination of the scene while the evidence, such as skid marks and gouge marks, is fresh.

After a train accident, it is also critical to establish contact with the investigating authorities, who often will do accident reconstructions. It is essential that you immediately hire an experienced train accident attorney to investigate your claim.

It is also essential that you get prompt medical attention for your personal injuries. Please see our car crash page for more details on what you should do to protect yourself after a serious train accident.

Who Is Liable For Personal Injuries
Caused By Train Accidents

Train companies, commuter rail authorities, maintenance companies, design and engineering firms, construction firms, and others may be responsible for accidents arising from train collisions or other train accidents. Usually train operations include large insurance policies or self-insured companies or authorities which are capable of fully compensating train accident victims.

Hiring an experienced and qualified Massachusetts train accident lawyer is essential.  The lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C., are experienced in getting compensation for victims injured in railway and railroad company accidents. The attorneys at our firm handle cases from initial investigation, through trial, and, if necessary, all appeals.

Choosing a Massachusetts Train Accident Lawyer

Your legal rights need to be protected after a railroad accident. You should hire an experienced train accident attorney, one who understands the many complex laws and regulations in this highly regulated industry, and one who has the resources and experience to evaluate and handle your case. Immediate action may be required to preserve all of your rights. All accidents in Massachusetts are governed by a Statute of Limitations. Some accidents also have shorter notice provisions which may be very strict.

For more information on selecting a Massachusetts train accident lawyer, please see our page on Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer.  

Our Case Reports page describes the accident cases we have successfully handled on behalf of our clients. If you feel you have a case, it is vital that you act immediately to protect your rights. Please call us at 617-723-7676, or toll free at 1-800-379-1244, or use our contact form to send us an e-mail, or email us at contactus@bwglaw.com. Get your free legal consultation today with Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C.