Common Causes of Train Accidents in New Jersey
Train passengers, railroad workers, pedestrians, as well as drivers and passengers of other cars, motorcycles, and bicycles may all be victims of train accidents. In New Jersey, train accidents arise for a wide variety of reasons.
Some of the most common causes of these types of accidents include:
- Collisions with motor vehicles or other trains on the track
- Derailments from broken or cracked rails
- Track switching or train signal malfunction
- Trains traveling at an excessive speed
- Inadequate railroad crossing warnings
- Conductor error from distracted or impaired driving
- Chemical spills
The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)
The Federal Employers Liability Act or FELA is a federal law that was created in 1908 to provide railroad workers injured on the job with protection. If a worker can prove that the railroad was even partially responsible in causing the injury, they can sue the railroad company for negligence in a state or federal lawsuit.
Although FELA gives you the right to sue a railroad company, you won’t necessarily have to take your case to court. The company may offer you significant compensation to settle out of court and you’ll have the option of accepting the settlement, negotiating for a higher one, or taking your case to trial. An experienced Jersey City train accident lawyer will determine if FELA can improve your situation so that the best course of action can be taken.
How a Jersey City Train Accident Attorney Can Help
Train companies are responsible for maintaining high safety standards for their employees and passengers. If a train company fails to adhere to these standards and you suffer from an injury or the death of a loved one, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. Some of these damages include medical bills, the cost of prescriptions, cost of future medical care, caregiver expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
A Jersey City train accident lawyer will start by figuring out who is responsible for the injury or death. Then, they will determine which federal, state, and local laws apply to the accident and pinpoint its exact cause. Lastly, they will work with investigators such as safety professionals and engineers as well as other victims to make every effort to help you recover the compensation to which you may be entitled.