Railroads are a vital part of our country’s infrastructure, but when safety standards are ignored, they can transform into the scene of devastating tragedies. These safety violations are often not just oversights, but are sometimes rooted in preventable negligence that puts countless lives at risk.
From faulty equipment to ignored maintenance protocols, these failures can lead to catastrophic outcomes. This blog outlines what safety violations can lead to accidents, and how seeking a seasoned railroad accident attorney in Kansas City can be a critical first step toward healing and justice.
Common Railroad Safety Violations That Lead to Accidents
Safety measures on railroads have continued to improve over the decades, but railroad injuries still occur with concerning frequency. These accidents can range from minor injuries to catastrophic events that permanently affect the victims’ lives.
Several common safety violations can lead to accidents on the tracks. Understanding these causes helps to outline potential prevention techniques and can help properly establish liability during personal injury or wrongful death cases.
Defective or Malfunctioning Railroad Crossings
When railroad crossing gates fail to operate properly, motorists and pedestrians won’t be warned of potential oncoming trains. Proper maintenance and resting of crossing gates help prevent these malfunctions.
When required maintenance is ignored and safety operations are neglected, tragic accidents can occur.
Train Operator Negligence
Human error can contribute to railroad accidents and injuries, and often stems from operator fatigue, inadequate training, or ineffective communication. Train crews who work long hours can experience a decrease in their alertness and may have impaired decision-making abilities.
Trains have specific safety protocols that must be followed by operators, as well as specific speed limits. Overworked, fatigued, or distracted operators can fail to ensure proper safety protocol adherence, and as a result, accidents can occur.
Failure to Maintain Tracks and Equipment
Poor track maintenance is a common cause of railroad accidents. Issues like track misalignment, worn-out or damaged rails, improper maintenance, or poor track inspections can lead to train accidents, injuries, and potentially more devastating consequences.
Maintenance issues can develop over time, making them difficult to notice properly until it is too late.
Legal Support for Train Accident Victims
Dealing with the aftermath of a railroad injury can be overwhelming, and victims should be able to focus on recovery and healing rather than the complexities of a legal case. Handling a railroad accident case takes a tremendous effort and requires a legal team with experience.
Seeking legal counsel from a railroad injury lawyer helps to ensure someone is there to fully investigate the incident, handle all communication with third parties, and work tirelessly to recover maximum compensation for losses.
Experienced train accident attorneys are the best equipped to handle the complexities involved in these cases. This experience is essential when navigating issues that may arise regarding compensation, as well as gathering evidence to build a strong case (like maintenance records, operator logs, and witness testimony).
Contact Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader for a Railroad Accident Attorney in Kansas City
When a railroad company fails to uphold its duty to maintain safe operations, the results can be devastating. The path to recovery for those injured can feel overwhelming.
At Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader, we are dedicated to uncovering the truth behind railroad safety violations and standing up for those harmed by preventable tragedies. Whether you’ve lost a loved one or suffered a serious injury, our team is available to guide you with both legal skill and compassion.
Victims of a railroad accident don’t have to face this fight alone. Contact one of our trusted railroad accident attorneys by calling our office at (913) 266-2300 to speak to one of our team members or by using our virtual case tool.
The above is not intended to be legal advice. Each individual case is different and must be analyzed on its own set of facts and circumstances. If you believe you may have a case, it is critically important that you timely contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected
