A Louisiana train accident attorney notes a report suggesting that safety improvements to a railroad crossing could have saved the lives of five people. When people are injured or killed in crossing accidents, the injured party or surviving family members may be eligible to seek compensation with the help of Louisiana train accident lawyers.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Safety Officials: State Has No Plans For Safety Upgrades-More Accidents Could Occur
Safety improvements to a Louisiana railroad crossing could have saved the lives of five people who were killed in a train-car collision in December 2015, according to officials. The Daily Iberian reports that the accident occurred when a train struck a stationary car that was waiting to turn into a nearby intersection. Safety experts have since reported that the use of a sensor-guided traffic signal could have prevented the vehicle from entering and becoming trapped in the crossing.
According to safety officials, this railroad crossing has several characteristics that may raise the risk of accidents. Since the crossing lies within two car lengths of a highway, cars frequently stop in it. People inside these vehicles may have less than 30 seconds of warning when a train approaches. They also may become blocked into the crossing by surrounding cars, which is what reportedly happened in this accident.
This was not the first indication of the dangers associated with this crossing. One deadly train-car collision has occurred at the crossing each year since 2012. However, state officials reportedly don’t intend to make safety upgrades, leaving room for similar tragedies to occur in the future, the website reported.
How a Louisiana Train Accident Attorney Can Help
Train conductors and railroad owners have a duty to make sure that they operate and maintain their trains in a safe manner. If this duty is not fulfilled, fatal accidents may occur, and the train driver or train company can be held liable for injuries that may result.
People who are injured in train accidents may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost Wages
- Loss of ability to earn
- Scarring and disfigurement
If a person is killed in a train accident, his or her family members may be able to pursue compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one. Wrongful death damages can include:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Conscious pain and suffering prior to death
- Loss of the economic support of the loved one
- Loss of the companionship of the loved one
- Funeral expenses
People who have been injured in a train accident are advised to seek the counsel of a Louisiana train accident attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Louisiana today.