ATLANTA TRAIN ACCIDENT LAWYER

The state of Georgia has 28 freight railroads, making the state one of the most comprehensive railroad systems in the country. In addition to a large freight train network, Georgia has four Amtrak passenger routes and rapid passenger trains and subways in the Metro Atlanta area.

The Federal Railroad Administration analyzed the number of train accidents in the period of 2018 and 2021 and ranked the Peach State first, with 277 train accidents during the 4-year period. A train accident is serious and often fatal, but victims or their families may be entitled to compensation. Learn how the attorneys at The Scott Pryor Law Group handle train accidents and why working with an attorney is beneficial for your case.

WHAT CAUSES MOST TRAIN ACCIDENTS IN GEORGIA?

Train accidents can involve passengers onboard a train, pedestrians, and other motor vehicles. The majority of accidents occur in areas where railroads and public roads intersect. Faulty equipment and train operator error are some frequent causes of railroad accidents – excessive speed, malfunctioning railroad crossing gates, mechanical failures, and reckless driving all play a part in railroad crossing accidents.

Train accidents can also be caused by human error. A fatigued, unqualified, or inexperienced train operator can make grave mistakes such as getting distracted, driving the train too fast, or forgetting to sound their horn at the appropriate time.

Drivers of passenger vehicles may also collide with a train when driving distracted, intoxicated, or attempting to go through a railroad crossing after the railroad crossing gates or warning signs have been activated. Finally, passengers onboard a train may get injured if the doors close on them, if they trip and fall due to a large gap between the train and the platform, or if there is not enough security inside the train wagon and the passenger is assaulted by another passenger.

HOW IS LIABILITY DETERMINED IN A TRAIN ACCIDENT?

Determining who is at fault for a train accident can be a complex task that requires extensive investigation and the help of a skilled Atlanta train accident lawyer. The investigation will typically include some research to uncover whether similar accidents have previously occurred in the same spot where your accident took place, and may also require the help of experts and a careful re-creation of the collision to provide a clear picture of the moments before, during and after the accident.

It is also worth noting that trains are considered to be common carriers in Georgia. That means they can be held to a higher standard when it comes to providing a safe environment for passengers as well as people on the train station and near the train tracks.

Even freight trains are considered common carriers in spite of not carrying any passengers, as a collision with a freight train can almost always lead to serious injuries and fatalities. This is important because if a railroad company or any of its employees is found to be at fault for the accident, a jury may be more likely to decide the case in favor of the victim.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOUR LOVED ONE WAS KILLED IN A TRAIN ACCIDENT?

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal train accident, you may consider initiating a wrongful death claim against the liable party (such as the train companies). A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit, much like a personal injury lawsuit.

Since the accident victim did not survive, the decedent’s surviving family members take action on behalf of their loved one to claim compensation for damages. These damages may include medical bills, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, loss of funeral and burial costs, and more.

FILING A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM AFTER A TRAIN ACCIDENT

In order to file a wrongful death claim, the family of the deceased must be able to demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence or wrongful actions caused the death of their loved one. The family should also demonstrate how the loss of their loved one caused them both economic and non-economic losses – besides the obvious psychological and emotional pain and suffering of losing a loved one, the loss also typically results in financial burdens such as funeral expenses and loss of future income. Working with a skilled personal injury attorney can be extremely beneficial for your case.

WHY SHOULD YOU WORK WITH A GEORGIA TRAIN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR YOUR CASE?

Whether you were injured as a passenger onboard a train or survived a catastrophic railroad crossing collision, the path to assigning liability and receiving compensation is not an easy one. You already have a lot to deal with as you recover from your injuries, and the last thing you need is to face off against a railroad company that is ready to fight back to protect its profits.

At The Scott Pryor Law Group, you can get the individualized attention and legal representation you need to build a strong case and hold the at-fault party responsible for your railroad accident and damages.

We can also help you fight on behalf of a loved one who was wrongfully killed in a train accident. Our Atlanta train accident lawyers have assisted train accident victims all across Georgia, and we are here to help you fight for fair compensation.

We can handle every aspect of your case on your behalf – regardless of whether your case ends up going to trial or not. Our goal is to help you reach a favorable outcome so you can focus on healing, getting back on your feet, and turning the page on this difficult chapter in your life. Reach out to The Scott Pryor Law Group by calling 678-325-3434 to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta train accident lawyer.