South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg
While trains might not be a part of your transportation routines, the reality is that there are many trains in Florida and throughout the United States. Freight trains, high speed trains, and inter-city trains are different types of trains that may present dangers at railroad crossings. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a railroad crossing accident, it is imperative to reach out to a skilled Miami train accident attorney who can assess the merits of your case. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for the harm that they cause.
Federal Railroad Administration statistics show that more than one person is killed each day at railroad crossings across the United States. Other estimates suggest that there are nearly 3,000 train accidents each year across the country. There are a variety of ways that railroad crossing accidents can take place, including but not limited to:
- Careless lookouts for cars and motorists near the tracks;
- Defective railroad crossing gates and signals;
- Trains that fail to sound their horns when approaching a crossing;
- Poor crossing designs;
- Objects protruding from the train;
- Trains parked too close to a crossing; or
- Poor visibility at a railroad crossing.
Railroad crossing accidents involving cars or trucks being struck, pedestrians being run over, or bicycles being hit can have devastating consequences for passengers and outside parties alike. The sheer size and weight of a train moving, even at slower speeds, can lead to catastrophic injuries. Some examples of injuries include brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputation, coma, and even death.
There may be a number of parties that are responsible for railroad crossing accidents, such as railroad companies, engineers, equipment manufacturers, and government entities. Railroads are quick to deny liability for almost all types of railroad crossing accidents. A skilled attorney can examine the facts of your case and determine the viability of your claim. In Florida, railroads are considered a common transport carrier. This makes a railroad a strict liability entity in the transport industry. In some cases, this can be helpful because even the slightest negligence may lead to compensation.
As with any other type of accident, railroad crossing accident claims are subject to time limits, known as the statute of limitations. Since railroad crossing accidents often involve government entities, you may even have less time to take legal action than with a traditional personal injury claim. Thus, it is important to act as soon as possible after your accident.
At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our seasoned Miami railroad accident attorneys are committed to getting accident victims the compensation they deserve for their harm. We understand that the last thing you want to handle after a railroad accident is consulting a lawyer, but it is imperative to know your rights. With years of experience, we understand how to navigate these claims. You can rest assured that we are here to answer your questions and address your concerns. To speak to an attorney in more detail, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us through our website.
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