Georgia Train Accidents and Derailments Resulting in Catastrophic Injuries or Fatalities
Millions of people here in Georgia and across the country rely on train travel to commute to work or take a cross country vacation. In major cities like Atlanta and across the U.S., metro trains have become increasingly popular because they provide a fast and relatively inexpensive way for commuters to avoid the aggravation and frustration of bumper to bumper traffic.
There are currently over 200,000 miles of railroad track in the U.S. used by over 600 railroad companies and public entities. Most of us who use this efficient and economical form of transportation have no idea of the very real dangers posed by such trains.
At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have been helping the victims, and their famiies, of metro train and railroad accidents for over 39 years. Whether you suffer injuries from the MARTA commuter rail and subway system, passenger train, trolley or other light rail system, Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, will navigate the complex federal and state laws and regulations that may determine your ability to obtain the compensation you deserve. Railroads and commuter trains are closely regulated under federal law and owe the public a very high duty to make their trains safe.
Many of us believe that train and rail accidents are very uncommon and that it could never happen to us. In reality, such accidents are much more common than most people realize. There is an average of 12,000 accidents caused by trains each year, resulting in over 7,000 people being injured and another one thousand deaths. A train is involved in an accident with a vehicle or pedestrian at a railroad crossing once every two hours across the U.S.
Train accidents related to derailment and collisions at railroad crossings are fairly common. Because of the shear size, weight and speed of these trains, such accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities to passengers and innocent bystanders. There are a number of common factors that often contribute to these accidents including the following:
• Trains moving at an unsafe speed
• Poor visibility at crossings for those driving cars or trucks
• Failure of the train operator to sound a warning
• Unprotected crossing lacking adequate safety equipment and signals
• Failure to maintain safety equipment at a railway crossing
• Inadequate maintenance of the railway track
• Mechanical failure resulting from inadequate maintenance of trains
• Malfunction of defective train parts or systems
Commuter trains as well as other passenger trains are "common carriers," which means they are required to exercise a very high duty of care to protect members of the public from being injured. A common carrier is typically required to use the highest level of care and diligence in providing for the safety of its passengers. Further, train and railroad systems are closely regulated by federal and state laws and regulations and the violation of such can in itself constitute a basis for liability.
The Atlanta based Georgia Law Firm of Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been helping victims involved in serious accidents, including railroad accidents, throughout the State of Georgia for over twenty five years. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Georgia train accident, our Georgia train accident attorneys will work closely to help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. We help people in the Atlanta area and throughout the State of Georgia. We are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia including, but not limited to, Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. Call us today for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333), or visit us on the web at www.montlick.com No matter where you are in Georgia, we are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you.