Train Accidents Category Archives - South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg Published by Miami Accident Attorneys

Train Accidents on the Rise in Florida

Published on: December 20, 2018 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Unfortunately, train accidents are more common than you may think. In fact, every 115 minutes, a train somewhere in the United States strikes a person or vehicle. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a train accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our seasoned Miami train accident attorneys can provide aggressive representation for those injured in life-changing train accidents.

Earlier this month, an 11-year-old Florida girl died after she was hit by an Amtrak train while crossing the tracks, according to police. The girl had headphones in her ears and was looking at her cell phone when the train hit her. The train conductor tried to blow the horn and brake multiple times but could not stop in time. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

Train accidents have been on the rise in Florida for the past few years. There were 27 trespassers who died in Florida in 2012, 28 in 2013, 36 in 2014, and 35 in the first nine months of 2015. These figures are even higher than those for New York. According to statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration focusing on train accidents in South Florida, the number of people killed on train tracks in 2017 rose when compared to previous years. Twenty-three people died in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties through September this year, compared with 14 in all of 2016. These figures include individuals being killed accidentally as well as people using the tracks for suicides.

Truck Driver Killed by SunRail Train in Florida

Published on: March 14, 2018 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Train accidents can lead to devastating damage. Not only can these accidents lead to serious injuries, but also in some cases, these accidents can lead to death. If you have been injured in a train accident, it is important to consult a Miami train accident attorney without delay. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we can help you seek the compensation you need to move on with your life. With years of experience, we understand how to navigate these complex claims.

A truck driver was killed in Florida in early December when a SunRail train slammed into a semitrailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver of the semi died at the scene of the accident. He had stopped on the tracks and was attempting to back into a business loading dock. As he tried to maneuver the truck, the crossing arms for the railroad tracks came down onto the truck. People were yelling at the driver, trying to warn him of the train. He tried to get out, but it was too late. Unfortunately, this is not the first time a train accident has led to a fatality in Florida. Earlier this year, a man was struck and killed by a SunRail train in Longwood. That death marked the sixth commuter train-related death in 2017, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Railroad companies are responsible for making sure that railroad crossings, gates, and all accompanying signs are in proper working order. If a railroad company does not provide or maintain these key features, and an injury or death takes place, the company may be liable for the accident and any resulting harm. It is important to note that a conductor and his or her employer may be liable for a train accident as well.

Railroad Crossing Accidents in Florida

Published on: October 19, 2017 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

While trains might not be a part of your transportation routines, the reality is that there are many trains in Florida and throughout the United States. Freight trains, high speed trains, and inter-city trains are different types of trains that may present dangers at railroad crossings. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a railroad crossing accident, it is imperative to reach out to a skilled Miami train accident attorney who can assess the merits of your case. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for the harm that they cause.

Federal Railroad Administration statistics show that more than one person is killed each day at railroad crossings across the United States. Other estimates suggest that there are nearly 3,000 train accidents each year across the country. There are a variety of ways that railroad crossing accidents can take place, including but not limited to:

Careless lookouts for cars and motorists near the tracks;
Defective railroad crossing gates and signals;
Trains that fail to sound their horns when approaching a crossing;
Poor crossing designs;
Objects protruding from the train;
Trains parked too close to a crossing; or
Poor visibility at a railroad crossing.

Train Accidents in Florida

Published on: October 10, 2014 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

If you or someone you know has been injured in a train accident, an experienced Florida accident attorney can help. Train accidents can be particularly devastating for a vehicle or person with which the train collides, as well as people on the train. The sheer force, speed, and impact of a train can lead to serious permanent bodily harm, and in some cases even death. We understand the stress and emotional toll a train accident can have on a victim and an entire family, which is why we are committed to providing compassionate and competent representation to our clients.

There are a number of reasons railroad accidents can occur. When a railroad crossing is not clearly marked or improperly designated, the consequences can be devastating. When a railroad crossing is not clearly indicated, it can be extremely dangerous for cars, bicyclists, or pedestrians crossing the railroad tracks. Unless the obstacle on the tracks is very far away from the moving train, the train conductor typically does not have enough time to slow down or stop a train before it crashes into the object on the train tracks. For example, a train would take close to a mile to come to a stop if it was traveling at 50 miles per hour. Other reasons for car accidents can include derailments, grade crossing accidents, or accidents due to mechanical failures.

Determining responsibility for the improper marking of railroad crossings can be a complicated process because several parties may be at fault. Under Florida law, trains are considered “common carriers,” which means they are highly regulated and must abide by certain federal and state regulations. A common carrier should operate with the highest degree of safety and care while transporting passengers to their destinations. Thus, train operators and local railroads are responsible if an accident resulted from a failure of the railroad to meet the high standard of care required. Continue Reading ›