Trains are generally reliable forms of transportation. However, accidents still happen, and they are primarily due to operator error and/or poorly maintained trains, grade crossings and/or tracks. If you or a loved one sustained injuries from a train accident, our experienced team at The Rothenberg Law Firm can advocate for your right to maximum compensation for your damages. Contact us for a free consultation to review your case and to determine if you have a viable personal injury claim.
Pennsylvania Train Accident Statistics
Even though train accidents are less common than car crashes, trail derailments are frequent. The statistics are particularly concerning compared to Europe, where this is rare. Pennsylvania has had about nine significant incidents, including the deadly 2015 Philadelphia Amtrak train derailment.
However, trains do not need to derail to lead to accidents. For example, accidents may stem from bad brakes to overgrown vegetation obscuring crossbucks and warning lights. In addition, poor maintenance contributes to crashes at railroad crossings. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, from 2018 to 2021, Pennsylvania ranked 7th in the U.S. for highest train accident rates. Georgia topped the list with 217 accidents, whereas Pennsylvania had 173.
Additional causes of train accidents include the following:
- Excessive speed
- Human error
- Mechanical problems
- Poor design of rail or railway crossing
- Lack of proper signaling equipment
- Poor communication between train operators and other personnel
- Obstructions on the tracks
In some cases, inclement weather can also cause train accidents. For example, officials cited this for the recent 2023 derailment near Philadelphia.
Common Injuries from Train Accidents in Pennsylvania
Because trains travel at high speeds, accidents can cause serious injuries, which include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Cuts, bruises and broken bones
- Amputations due to being trapped in the wreckage
- Burns and shrapnel injuries from fire and explosions
Many of these injuries require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or long-term hospitalization which may cause financial instability for train accident victims.
Compensation for Train Accident Lawsuits in Pennsylvania
If you were injured in a train accident, you may seek compensation for your injuries which can include the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Your hospital and medical bills and expenses associated with the treatment you require to recuperate from your injuries.
- Transportation and commuting expenses to get you to and from medical and therapy appointments.
- Replacement of lost wages that you could not earn because of injuries that kept you from performing your regular job tasks.
- Money you spent to modify your house to accommodate mobility limitations caused by your injuries.
- Invoices from physical and occupational therapy services.
- Pain and suffering damages
To maximize your chances of getting the best financial outcome, consult an experienced Pennsylvania train accident lawyer immediately.
How Long Do I Have to File a Train Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania is two years. The clock starts ticking from the day of the accident. In wrongful death cases, families may have up to two years to file a lawsuit after the date of death. Take action because the longer you wait, the more difficult it is to find, secure, and preserve crucial evidence.
Contact The Rothenberg Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Our team at The Rothenberg Law Firm has helped victims of train accidents recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges these types of cases pose, and we are prepared to fight against insurance companies that seek to minimize or deny compensation. Schedule your free case review with a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney to get started. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees. We have been handling personal injury cases for over 50 years, winning and collecting billions of dollars for our clients.
