When Minnesota residents deal with potentially dangerous situations on a regular basis, it can be easy to forget or take for granted the danger that is present. It is often only when a tragic incident happens that some people realize the danger.
A good example of this is when a person is truck by a train. Trains are so commonplace that it is often forgotten how dangerous they can be, until tragic train accidents occur that severely injure or kill individuals struck by the train.
For instance, one woman was recently killed after being struck by a train while crossing the tracks. Officials were still investigating the incident, which unfortunately was one of many that have occurred near the location the woman was struck.
It is also one of many that occur around the country each year. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, 818 fatalities took place in 2014 as a result of train accidents. This represents an increase in fatalities of about 16 percent from 2013.
There can be many causes to these train accidents. When the accident victim is injured or killed because of the fault of the railroad company, the injured person or his or her family may have a cause of action available against the company to obtain legal relief. For instance, if the conductor was not operating the train in a safe manner, such as traveling at an excessive rate of speed for the location, the case may be examined to determine whether the company can be held legally responsible for the accident.
As with any accident, each case will turn on the facts and circumstances involved in the particular incident at issue. However, there are some distinctions between train accidents and car accidents, both in the practical aspects of the case, as well as in the legal issues that may arise during the case. Accordingly, individuals should be aware of these differences and how it may impact their potential claim for relief.
Source: Reading Eagle, “Train strikes, kills pedestrian in Wernersville,” Holly Herman, Nov. 14, 2015
