Train Accident Lawyers of Virginia
Learn Why More People Choose Us for Personal Injury in Virginia
According to reports by the United States Department of Transportation, there are nearly 5,800 train crashes that involve motor vehicles every year.
The Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety maintains an active list of incidents and accidents that involve the nation’s railroads. This means that there are incidents occurring in the United States of personal injuries as a result from train accidents.
In the past three years, Virginia has seen 40 fatalities from railroad and train related incidents. Apart from that, Virginia has had 265 nonfatal injuries related to train accidents.
It can be frightening to think of the potential dangers and life-threatening injuries that can occur due to a railroad malfunction or train accident.
If you or someone you know has been victim of conductor negligence or a railroad accident, the lawyers at Cravens & Noll, P.C. have decades of real experience in injury cases and are prepared to fight for your right to compensation.
Who’s at Fault for Railroad Accidents in Virginia?
Cases vary as to responsible parties in a railroad personal injury claim. It could be the fault of a negligent pedestrian, a fatigued conductor, failed attention to detail from an engineer, a careless rail company or more. In any instance, liability can be partially or completely put on any party depending on the circumstances. Let our train accident team investigate your case and help you recover damages against others at fault.
Types of Rail Incidents
While railroad incidents and train accidents can occur in several ways, the most common types can be listed as the following:
When it comes to equipment failure, it’s important to recognize the types of equipment and mechanical failures that can occur. These can range from malfunction of brakes and defective handrails to malfunction of warning brakes and faulty communication equipment, track issues, or negligent operation.
- Excessive speeding
- Derailments
- Mechanical failure
- Failure to brake
- Train operator error
- Poor maintenance of track
- Debris or equipment left on the track
- Faulty signaling equipment
- Other equipment failure
When it comes to equipment failure, it’s important to recognize the types of equipment and mechanical failures that can occur. These can range from malfunction of brakes and defective handrails to malfunction of warning brakes and faulty communication equipment, track issues, or negligent operation.
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in A Train Accident in Richmond, VA
If you’ve been in a train accident or railroad incident, it’s of the utmost importance to contact your Richmond personal injury attorney. If you’ve sustained personal injury, you may be entitled to just compensation.
But railroad components have teams of crash investigators and borrowers. They will begin to prepare their defense moments after the accident, and they will not be investigating to prove your damage but rather to protect their company and it’s shareholders.
As a result of a railroad accident, train derailment or more, you’ve likely experienced economic and noneconomic damages.
These damages can include:
- Medical expenses – current and future expenses as a result of injury caused.
- Lost wages – inability to work due to injury and/or recovery of injury.
- Loss of earning capacity – permanent inability to work as a result of injury.
- Pain and suffering – trauma experienced as a result of injury and a permanent change in lifestyle.
- Mental anguish – feelings of distress, trauma, grief, depression, etc. as a direct result of the incident.
- Loss of consortium – emotional damage of losing a life partner, spouse and sense of companionship as a result of accidental death from a train-related accident
- Punitive damages – the monetary rewards granted to a victim to deter others from acting in similar conduct of the responsible party
Contact Cravens & Noll, Your Richmond Train Accident Attorneys Today
Whether railroad worker injuries or hazardous material exposure, our experienced lawyers at Cravens & Noll can help you get compensation from the pain and suffering you or loved one had to endure as a result of a train accident.
We use our years of experience, carefully crafted strategies and a dedication to justice when we bring your case before the jury.
We’re here for you and we’re here to defend you.
Contact us today for your initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a train accident lawyer help with my case?
A train accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the accident, review available evidence, identify potentially liable parties, communicate with insurers or opposing parties, and help pursue compensation for qualifying losses. We can also explain the legal process and your options at each stage.
What compensation can I seek after a train accident?
Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may be able to seek compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and other legally recoverable damages. The types and amount of compensation available depend on the facts of the individual case.
Can I hire a lawyer for a train crossing accident?
Yes. Train crossing accidents can involve questions concerning the train operator, railroad company, crossing conditions, warnings, signals, and other circumstances. We can review the available facts to determine whether a legal claim may be appropriate.
How is liability determined in a train accident case?
Liability is determined by examining the facts and applicable law. Depending on the accident, this may involve reviewing train operations, maintenance, equipment, crossing conditions, warnings, or the conduct of other parties involved in the incident.
What is the difference between a train accident lawyer and a railroad accident lawyer?
The terms are often used interchangeably, although “railroad accident lawyer” can encompass a broader range of incidents involving railroad companies, workers, passengers, tracks, crossings, and equipment. We can evaluate the circumstances of your railroad-related injury and explain the legal options that may apply.
What should I bring to my first train accident lawyer consultation?
Helpful information may include accident reports, medical records, photographs, insurance correspondence, witness information, employment or wage records, and details about the accident. If you do not have all of these documents, you can still contact us to discuss your situation.
How soon should I call a lawyer after a train accident?
As soon as it’s safe. Railroads act fast, and key evidence such as locomotive event recorder data, video, and signal logs can be overwritten or lost. Early legal help lets us send preservation requests before that evidence disappears.
What evidence is important in a Virginia train accident case?
Potentially useful evidence can include medical records, accident reports, photographs or video, witness information, train or crossing records, employment documentation, and other records related to the accident. The specific evidence needed depends on the circumstances of the case.
What types of injuries can result in a train accident claim?
Train accidents can result in many types of injuries, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal injuries, burns, and other serious or catastrophic harm. Whether an injury supports a legal claim depends on the circumstances and applicable law.
How do I get started with a train accident lawyer at Cravens & Noll, PC?
The first step is to contact Cravens & Noll, PC and provide basic information about the accident, your injuries, and what occurred. Our team can review the information, discuss your circumstances, and explain the potential next steps for your case.
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