When trains are involved in accidents, they cause tremendous property damage, countless injuries, and in some cases, serious fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a train accident and suffered an injury, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Discuss your case with a highly experienced Washington DC train accident lawyer with Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.
Why Choose Our Firm?
- Our firm draws from over 38 years of legal experience in the Washington, D.C. area.
- We are dedicated to getting results, we have obtained over $1 billion in compensation for our injured clients.
- We have the resources it takes to build a strong case, and we won’t charge you a dime unless we win.Â
Common Causes and Types of Train Accidents in Washington, D.C.
Types of train accidents that commonly occur in Washington, D.C. are derailments, train and motor vehicle collisions, trains colliding into trains, accidents at railroad crossings, as well as pedestrians or workers on the tracks.
Some of the common causes of these accidents, include:
- Operator error or driver error
- Lack of or improper train or track maintenance
- Speeding
- Track obstructions
- Stalled vehicles on tracks
- Unmarked or unprotected railroad crossing
- Reckless train or vehicle operators
- Violation of industry regulations
- Mechanical failure
- Rail damage
- Pedestrians or workers falling onto tracks
- Suicide
Common Injuries Suffered in Washington, D.C. Train Accidents
Injuries can range in severity, but often times train accidents cause serious injuries and many passengers sustain:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations, contusions and abrasions
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and other types of head injuries
- Whiplash
- Wrongful death
Determining Liability In Washington, D.C. Train Accidents
A government agency will typically investigate and determine the cause of a train accident, but your train accident attorney will conduct an independent investigation to determine who is liable for your injuries. In most cases, there is a combination of negligence and multiple parties that are responsible.
Under common carrier laws, railways have a legal duty to get their passengers to their destinations safely. If unable to do so, and injuries occur due to negligent actions, the railway owner would be liable for compensating you.
There may be more than one cause of a train accident. In that case, injured victims may have the right to file claims against parties, in addition to the railway owner. For example, if a defective part was also a cause of an accident, the manufacturer of that part along with any individual or company involved in its distribution can be liable.
Why You Need a Washington, D.C. Train Accident Lawyer
Many train accident claims are settled outside of court. Dealing with one insurance company can be stressful enough, but cases involving more than one can be extremely taxing and time consuming. Not to mention, you are attempting to recover from possibly serious injuries. Your efforts do not need to be split, as an experienced train accident lawyer will take care of all communications with insurance companies and protect you from accepting an offer that is less than what you deserve. You will have the freedom to solely focus on healing from your injuries and have the peace of mind that your compensation is being fought for.
Speak to a Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLPÂ Lawyer
Our team has extensive experience handling train accident claims and successfully obtaining compensation for victims. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no obligation case evaluation..