Questions about Railroad Accidents
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
What are the kinds of accidents that make up railroad accidents?
There are several different types of accidents that make up railroad accident claims. These include:
- Train/pedestrian collisions
- Train/vehicle collisions
- Train/train collisions
- Derailments
- Rail crossing malfunctions
There are hundreds of injuries and deaths a year as a result of railroad accidents. Because trains are so large and heavy, catastrophic injuries occur when there is an accident.
Who is responsible for railroad safety?
The Federal Railroad Administration is responsible for railroad safety. The FRA is part of the US Department of Transportation and works to ensure railroad companies are using high standards when it comes to issues of safety. By enforcing laws that protect passengers, railroad employees, and the general public, the FRA is continuously trying to make rail travel safe.
However, it is the responsibility of the railroad carriers to ensure that their passengers and employees are safe.
What is FELA?
The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) was passed over 100 years ago in response to the high number of railroad employees who were seriously injured or killed as a result of railroad accidents. It protects railroad employers beyond typical workers’ compensation.
How are passengers protected?
Railroads are common carriers which means they have increased responsibility to create a safe environment for their passengers. It is sometimes easier to gain compensation for an injury suffered in a railroad accident than in other personal injury accident claims because of this.
How do railroad accidents continue to occur if there have been so many improvements and laws?
Technology has become much better, so accidents at rail crossings or at rail switches are not as likely to happen. However, railroad companies are still in business to make a profit and will cut costs when and where they can. This can lead to unsafe conditions. Many third parties, such as drivers of vehicles, may try to skirt crossing guards and beat the train. This almost always leads to death if there is a collision, which can then also cause the train to derail. However, malfunctions still occur since much of the technology is computer based. Human error and malfunction lead to most serious injuries or death in railroad accidents.
Why do I need to speak with an attorney if I have been involved in a railroad accident?
Railroad accidents are extremely difficult claims due to the differing laws. Federal and state laws, as well as a phalanx of railroad company attorneys can make claiming compensation virtually impossible unless you have someone on your side who knows the law.
Working with railroad experts, investigators, talking to witnesses, and more, can all be accomplished while you focus on healing or taking care of your loved one if they were injured.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a railroad accident in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area, please contact the experienced railroad accident attorneys at Stipe & Belote for an initial consultation.
Although medical professionals are required by law to exercise the utmost care, skill and diligence when treating their patients, it is estimated that over 90,000 people every year are either injured or killed due to physician or nurse error. 
When workers are injured, employers and their workers compensation insurance carrier are responsible for providing those employees with the medical care they need as quickly as possible. 
If you are disabled, and can no longer work, the federal government offers disability payments to individuals who qualify under the Social Security Disability Insurance plan. 
