Kansas City Train Accident Lawyers

What are the different types of train accidents?

Train accidents can happen because of a problem with the train itself, a problem with the tracks, or a problem with the railway station. Some of the common types of accidents our Kansas City train accident lawyers are ready to handle include:

• Derailments. This type of accident involves a train leaving the tracks. Common causes of derailments include a train striking something on the tracks, broken rails, defective brakes, or other defective equipment, and speeding around a curve too fast.
• Collisions with other trains. It’s every passenger’s and every operator’s nightmare. A head-on collision, a sideswipe, or a backing-out collision with another train. Common causes include signaling errors and miscommunication.
• Train accidents with motor vehicles. A common and often deadly accident involves vehicles crossing tracks without seeing the oncoming train, or cars or trucks rushing to beat the oncoming train. These accidents generally occur where the railroad crossbars aren’t working or there aren’t any railroad crossbars. Train drivers do need to use their horns to warn drivers – even when they don’t see any drivers on the tracks. Some cars stall while they’re crossing the tracks.
• Pedestrian accidents. Some of these accidents, sadly, are due to suicides. Others may be due to trespassing or trying to walk across the tracks instead of at the railroad crossing.
• Train station accidents. Many accidents happen when a passenger is trying to board or exit a train. If the steps or landing area to board or leave the train are slippery, a passenger can easily slip and fall. Negligent security may be another cause of accidents, especially when passengers wait for trains at night.

Train passengers may also be hurt while they are moving from one car to another car of a train.

Who is responsible for a Kansas City train accident?

Our Kansas City Injury Accident Attorneys work with the Federal Railroad Administration and other agencies that investigate train accidents. We also work with railroad accident professionals when necessary. We file claims against all responsible defendants, who often include:

• The operator of the train. Operator negligence includes:
  • Driver distraction such as using a cell phone
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Driver fatigue
  • Not switching tracks correctly
  • Failure to follow standard safety protocols
  • Failure to brake properly
  • Driving too fast for the railroad track and traffic conditions
• The entity that owned the train – whether it is a private or public entity. The owners of the trains are generally liable for any negligent acts of their drivers. Train companies may also be liable for failing to vet their drivers and educate their drivers. Train companies may also be liable for not inspecting the railroads and tracks and making proper repairs.
• Manufacturers of defective train parts, railroad crossing parts, train station parts, and other equipment and tools. Defective equipment may include:
  • Brakes
  • Crossing gates
  • Communication equipment
  • Signaling equipment
  • Handrails

Other possible defendants include companies that have the responsibility to maintain and/or repair the trains and train stations including snow and ice removal, train door operation, lighting, security, and warning signs. Drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles that caused the accident may also be liable.