At Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., our attorneys have extensive experience in all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims including railroad crossing accidents. We have successfully represented railroad workers in FELA cases and victims in crossing accident cases in Kentucky, West Virginia, and many other states for over three decades. We believe in justice that helps to right the wrong done to innocent victims by holding the companies responsible for their negligence. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a railroad-crossing related mishap, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries including medical care, lost wages and other damages.
The law firm you choose does make a difference - a difference between a life of pain and economic hardship and a future where monetary concerns are secondary to improving the quality of your life. Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. has the credentials to help you pursue justice and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available.
The Federal Railroad Administration estimates that every 90 minutes there is a train collision or derailment in the United States. For the last decade, there have been approximately 3,000 railroad accidents annually, with nearly 35% of railway crossing accidents involving children under 16. Many of these accidents are avoidable and caused by defective or outdated train equipment, or untrained or overworked employees. Railroads are self-regulated and a close eye is kept on the bottom line for profit. Very little is done to update technology unless there are several accidents or lawsuits related to a specific crossing. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, more than 80% of public crossings do not have safety lights and gates and 60% of all train accidents happen at these crossings. Other examples of the Railroad's fault in crossing accidents include:
- Obstructed crossing because of vegetation or other objects;
- Limited sight distance for vehicle operators or the train;
- Trains approaching crossings without lights on and horn sounding;
- Unsafe locomotive cab protruding metal or structural parts, weak steel parts, lack of full body protection, poor seats or seats with protruding steel on support brackets.
Crossing accidents are complex claims that require legal knowledge and aggressive negotiating skills. Often the Railroad blames the accident on the injured party and may even attempt to receive property damage compensation. If you have been injured in a crossing accident, seek medical attention because minor injuries may become major problems later. As soon as possible, after your accident, begin to document your case with witness information, details of your injuries and receipts for accident related expenses.
Another priority is to quickly contact a qualified attorney in order to protect your rights. Do not talk with insurance companies without effective representation. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, which is decreased with accident payouts. Also, remember that the Federal Employee Liability Act (FELA) entitles injured railroad workers to file claims, so if you were injured in a railroad crossing accident while working, you may be entitled to compensation.
Please contact the law offices of Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., for assistance and advice. Our firm works for injured people and their families. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case, and we will always give you our honest opinion about your case in light of the facts, case law, and our experience with similar railroad crossing cases. Call us today at 1.866.606.4316, or use our online contact form.
At Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., we are dedicated to representing individuals who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Our personal injury attorneys provide tough and aggressive representation aimed at moving your case forward and obtaining full compensation for your injuries.
