Sandusky Train Accident Attorneys

Helping Injured Railroad Workers & Victims of Train Accidents in Sandusky, OH

Train accidents are often catastrophic and can cause serious injuries to victims. They can occur for numerous reasons, from collisions with other trains to derailments and more.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a train accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Murray & Murray, our Sandusky train accident lawyers have been representing injured victims and families who have lost loved ones in train accidents for more than eight decades. We are well-versed in the laws and regulations that govern the railroad industry and are prepared to fight for the full, fair compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Call our firm at (419) 664-3711 or submit an online case evaluation form to get started with a free consultation.

Types of Train Accidents

A train accident refers to any mishap or incident involving trains, which can result in damage to property, injuries, or even fatalities. Train accidents can occur for various reasons, including mechanical failures, human error, environmental factors, or a combination of these factors.

Common types of train accidents include:

• Derailment: This is one of the most common types of train accidents. It happens when a train's wheels leave the tracks, causing the train to lose its intended path. Derailments can occur due to track defects, excessive speed, or mechanical failures.
• Collision: Train collisions involve two or more trains crashing into each other. These collisions can occur at intersections, railway crossings, or due to signaling errors. Collisions can cause significant damage and injuries.
• Level Crossing Accidents: Also known as grade-crossing accidents, these occur when a train collides with a vehicle, pedestrian, or another obstacle at a railway crossing. Factors such as inadequate warning signals, obstructions, or driver negligence can contribute to these accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Train accidents can result from mechanical failures such as brake failures, engine malfunctions, or coupling failures. These failures can lead to derailments, collisions, or other types of accidents.
• Human Error: Mistakes made by train operators, signal operators, maintenance personnel, or other staff can lead to accidents. Human errors may include miscommunication, improper procedures, fatigue, or distractions.
• Track Defects: Poorly maintained tracks can lead to accidents. Issues such as broken rails, track misalignment, or track geometry irregularities can cause derailments or other incidents.
• Natural Disasters: Extreme weather events like floods, landslides, or earthquakes can damage railway tracks, bridges, or other infrastructure, leading to accidents.
• Trespassing Incidents: Accidents involving individuals trespassing on railway tracks or in railway yards can result in injuries or fatalities. Trespassing incidents can occur due to negligence, unauthorized shortcuts, or recreational activities.
• Hazardous Material Spills: Trains transporting hazardous materials such as chemicals, gases, or flammable liquids may experience spills or leaks in the event of accidents, posing environmental risks and safety hazards.
• Sabotage or Terrorism: Deliberate acts of sabotage or terrorism targeting trains or railway infrastructure can cause accidents with significant consequences.

Who is Liable for a Train Accident?

Determining liability for a train accident can be complex and depends on various factors such as the cause of the accident, applicable laws, regulations, and contractual agreements. Generally, several parties may be held liable for a train accident:

• Railroad Companies: The company operating the train, often referred to as the railroad or railway company, can be held liable for accidents caused by negligence in train operations, maintenance, or safety protocols. This includes failures to properly maintain tracks, equipment, or signal systems, as well as inadequate training or supervision of employees.
• Train Operators: Individual train operators, such as engineers and conductors, may be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence or misconduct while operating the train. This can include violations of safety regulations, failure to adhere to speed limits, or operating the train under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Manufacturers: Manufacturers of train components, including locomotives, brakes, signals, and tracks, may be held liable for accidents caused by defective or malfunctioning equipment. Product liability laws allow injured parties to hold manufacturers accountable for injuries caused by defective products.
• Government Entities: Government agencies responsible for overseeing railroad operations, safety regulations, and infrastructure maintenance may be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence or failure to enforce safety standards. This includes entities responsible for maintaining railway tracks, bridges, and signaling systems.
• Contractors and Maintenance Companies: Third-party contractors hired to perform maintenance or repair work on trains or railway infrastructure may be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence or improper workmanship.
• Property Owners: Property owners adjacent to railway tracks, such as businesses or homeowners, may be held liable for accidents caused by hazardous conditions on their property, such as obstructed sightlines at railway crossings or inadequate fencing to prevent trespassing.
• Other Drivers or Pedestrians: In accidents involving collisions between trains and vehicles or pedestrians at railway crossings or along railway tracks, the drivers or pedestrians who violate traffic laws or trespass onto railway property may be held liable for their negligence.

How Our Train Accident Attorneys Can Help You

After a train accident, it is important to remember that the railroad company's primary concern is its bottom line. Railroad companies and their insurance providers will do everything possible to minimize the amount they pay out in claims, including using manipulative tactics to get victims to unknowingly admit fault.

At Murray & Murray, we believe that victims of negligence deserve better. Our Sandusky train accident attorneys are committed to helping you fight for the maximum recovery you are owed. We have the resources and experience needed to take on railroad companies and their insurers, and we are prepared to aggressively advocate for you at all stages of the legal process.

When you choose our firm, you can be confident knowing that you have dedicated advocates on your side. Our attorneys are not afraid to go up against large corporations and their insurers, and we are not afraid to take your case to court, if necessary.

Do not wait to get the legal help you need. Contact our train accident lawyers today at (419) 664-3711 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We serve clients nationwide.