South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Trains provide commuters and leisure travelers with an efficient and convenient way to travel to their destinations. However, traveling on railroads or through train tracks can present significant dangers to passengers and road users. Those who suffer injuries in a Florida train accident, should contact an experienced attorney to parse out the complex issues that these cases present.
Railroads pose serious public safety issues, which can lead to severe injuries or death. There are many reasons that railroad accidents occur, and many involve systemic negligence or operator error. Despite the prevalence of safety issues, many large train companies have implemented barriers to recovery. For instance, Amtrak, imposes mandatory arbitration agreements on ticket holders who claim negligence against the company. The unique structure of many train companies makes recovery difficult.
There are many reasons that a train accident may occur. The most common causes of Florida train accidents are operator error, distraction, track defects, train malfunctions, defective equipment, and rail-crossing errors. However, in some instances, the exact cause of the accident may be confounding. For example, a recent news report described a fatal Florida train accident. Deputies reported that an Amtrak train hit a truck in Plant City, Florida. The train crew told investigators that when they noticed the truck, they blew the train’s horn several times to indicate that the train could not slow down. However, the truck did not clear the railway in time. The truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.
Establishing liability after a Florida train accident can be difficult and requires a lengthy investigation. Given the complex nature of train equipment and safety mechanisms, these investigations can last several months, if not years, to complete. Most of these cases require the victim’s attorney to work with the Florida Department of Transportation or the National Transportation Safety Board. Depending on the crash’s nature, victims may file a claim against the railroad company or governmental agency responsible for the railroad.
It is crucial that Florida railroad accident victims contact an attorney as soon as possible. These accident claims must meet the statute of limitations, and the time period may be very tight if the claim involves a governmental agency. An experienced attorney can work efficiently to determine the responsible parties and the best course of action for relief.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Florida Train Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries or died in a Florida train accident, you should contact the attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada P.A. The attorneys at our law firm have extensive experience handling complex cases involving Florida motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, defective products, and more. Our diligent and experienced attorneys have successfully navigated the complex issues that these cases present. Through our representation, we have recovered significant amounts of compensation on behalf of Florida injury victims. Compensation in these cases may include payments for medical bills, property damage, lost wages and benefits, loss of companionship, and funeral and burial expenses. Contact our office at 877-448-8585, to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.